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Navy Chaplain Begins Hunger Strike in Response to Possible Immediate Discharge from the Military for Praying in the 'Name of Jesus'

Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt made his announcement in front of the White House at a Tuesday morning news conference.

Admirals from the Pentagon have stripped Rev. Klingenschmitt of his uniform and forbid him to pray in the name of Jesus in public unless he is wearing civilian clothes.

Chaplain Klingenschmitt is asking President Bush to issue an Executive Order allowing for military chaplains to pray according to their individual faith traditions.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, also announced today that he is joining Rev. Klingenschmitt in his hunger strike to support religious freedom.

Chaplain Klingenschmitt, states, "Today I'm beginning a hunger strike, and this communion bread will be my last meal, as I call upon the President to protect religious freedom and issue an executive order allowing chaplains to pray according to their faith traditions. All this week I will praying in front of the White House at 6:00 p.m. for President Bush to have the courage to sign this order."

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, "I join with Chaplain Klingenschmitt in this hunger strike as we stand for religious freedom and challenge President Bush to issue an executive order allowing chaplains to pray according to their faith traditions. By forbidding Rev. Klingenschmitt to pray in the Name of Jesus, the government is crushing the First Amendment and trampling on religious liberty. It should never be the role of government to dictate to Americans or clergy on how they are to pray."