In recognizing multiple faiths, the US military moves beyond its shameful past

[hrmjustin]

Interfaith room.

By A. James Rudin

(RNS) As a freshly minted rabbi, I was an Air Force chaplain at Itazuke Air Base in Japan. Two days after my arrival at the base, I was officially introduced to Itazuke’s commander. He was a gruff fighter pilot who in physical appearance and style of speaking could have been John Wayne’s clone.

The colonel did not ask me to sit down. He never looked up from his desk, made no eye contact with me, and muttered: “Chaplain, you Air Force ‘holy Joes’ need to dispense religion like toothpaste. Just squeeze out your religions for the troops. Frankly, I have no preference for a specific toothpaste or a particular religion; for me they are all the same. Welcome to Itazuke, Chaplain; do your duty and good luck.”

The meeting was over.

http://religionnews.com/2017/06/02/in-recognizing-multiple-faiths-the-us-military-moves-beyond-its-shameful-past/

[Aristus]

1. Amazing.

Very uplifting. Thank you.

[hrmjustin]

2. my pleasure.