"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances...."
1. Are the many CFR statutes creating offices of chaplain corps in the military, Congress, federal prisons, etc in violation of the first amendment?
2. Why should US taxpayers fund chaplains? If there is a need, let organized religious groups provide funding.
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http://chaplain.house.gov/The Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin
To serve as Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives is truly an honor and a privilege. At one and the same time to be a minister of the Lord and an officer serving the United States government responds to a two-fold call to serve others and offer prayer which unites heaven and earth.
more......
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http://chaplain.house.gov/histInfo.htmlArticle I, Section 2 of the Constitution states: "The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers."
The election of the Rev. William Lynn as Chaplain of the House on May 1, 1789, continued the tradition established by the Continental Congresses of each day's proceedings opening with a prayer by a chaplain. The early Chaplains alternated duties with their Senate counterparts on a weekly basis. The two conducted Sunday services for the Washington community in the House Chamber every other week.
In addition to opening proceedings with prayer, the Chaplain provides pastoral counseling to the House community, coordinates the scheduling of guest chaplains, and arranges memorial services for the House and its staff. In the past, Chaplains have performed marriage and funeral ceremonies for House members.
* From 1855 to 1861 the local clergy in the District of Columbia conducted the opening prayer. Thereafter, the House has elected a Chaplain at the beginning of each Congress.
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http://www.chapnet.army.mil/DRE/Default.HTM"Religious Education for the Army: a life-transforming process--
people called to meet God, know God and live for God!"
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http://www.dla.mil/hqchaplain/==================
http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7806