Source: Religion News Service

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/191/story_19123_1.html

On May 11, 2006 Religion News Service reported, "The House approved language on Thursday (May 11) that allows military chaplains to pray 'according to the dictates of the chaplain's own conscience' as part of a defense spending bill.

The vote comes as religious groups, church-state separationists and military officials have debated the appropriateness of sectarian prayers in settings outside worship services. 'Each chaplain shall have the prerogative to pray according to the dictates of the chaplain's own conscience, except as must be limited by military necessity, with any such limitation being imposed in the least restrictive manner feasible,' reads a short section within the massive legislation.

Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, a conservative advocacy group, said Friday on his radio program that he was 'very encouraged' and expects 'major movement' on the bill later this summer.

A Navy policy issued in February urges chaplains to use inclusive prayers outside worship settings. Beyond chapel services, 'religious elements for a command function, absent extraordinary circumstances, should be nonsectarian in nature,' the naval rules read.

Guidelines from the U.S. Air Force, released that same month, said chaplains 'will not be required to participate in religious activities, including public prayer, inconsistent with their faiths' but also state that 'nondenominational, inclusive prayer or a moment of silence may be appropriate for military ceremonies ... when its primary purpose is not the advancement of religious beliefs.'"