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| Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt |
By Kate Wiltrout
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK - Gordon Klingenschmitt didn't just switch careers four years ago when he left his job as an Air Force intelligence officer to become a Navy chaplain.
He also took a demotion so he could follow his calling, his wife testified, trading his rank as an Air Force major for the lower position of Navy lieutenant.
Klingenschmitt was convicted Wednesday, the second day of a Navy special court-martial, for disobeying an order not to wear his uniform for media appearances. Lt. Tiffany Hansen, Klingenschmitt's military attorney, asked the jury to consider the chaplain's accomplishments and his vocation before sentencing him.
The chaplain faces a maximum punishment of a reprimand, restriction to base for two months, and fines or forfeiture of pay not to exceed $41,916 - two-thirds of his annual salary.
Klingenschmitt declined to settle the charge administratively, choosing the court-martial instead. The jury, which took an hour and 20 minutes to find him guilty, is expected to decide Klingenschmitt's sentence today.
"A conviction is enough," Hansen told the jury. "There was no financial gain as a result of him doing what he did" March 30.
That day, Klingenschmitt appeared in uniform at a news conference in front of the White House to protest Navy regulations requiring chaplains to offer nondenominational prayers except during religious services.
His civilian attorney argued that the chaplain only said prayers and read Scripture at the event and waited until he was out of uniform to answer reporters' questions.
Prosecutors contended that Klingenschmitt was promoting a personal cause and his presence in uniform at the news conference was enough to convict him.
Hansen mentioned her client's 11-year Air Force career, the mission work he did for a year during college, and the community service projects he organized while assigned to the Anzio, a Norfolk-based cruiser.
She highlighted the testimony of his character witnesses during the sentencing phase: a former Anzio sailor who said Klingenschmitt helped him overcome depression, a retired Air Force colonel who described him as "extremely dedicated" in his work at the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Mary Klingenschmitt, who described her husband as "passionate and dedicated."
"Chaplain Klingenschmitt is a military man who has a passion for Jesus Christ," Hansen told the jury of five male officers.
Character witnesses testifying for the prosecution painted a different picture of Klingenschmitt, a priest in the Evangelical Episcopal Church.
Capt. Loyd Pyle, the commanding officer of Norfolk Naval Station, said in court that Klingenschmitt's performance as a chaplain is generally overshadowed "by his lack of military bearing and his disdain for military authority."
Pyle sent Klingenschmitt a written order in December directing him "not to wear your uniform for this or for any other media appearance without my express prior permission."
Capt. Norman Holcomb, the head chaplain at the naval base, testified that the junior chaplain did "an adequate job" as a counselor and in providing prayers at military ceremonies.
Yet Holcomb said he found the chaplain "to be untruthful, unethical, insubordinate, contemptuous of authority... and a totally frustrating independent operator."
Klingenschmitt was unbowed.
"I will not be broken," he said Wednesday night at a news conference in downtown Norfolk. "I have not yet begun to fight."
Wearing a clerical collar but not his Navy uniform, Klingenschmitt said he would appeal his case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
He also called on President Bush to take action.
"When I said a prayer in front of the White House, it was a bona fide religious observance," he said. "If this is my crime, then I am guilty of praying in Jesus' name."
Commenting on why his attorneys called no witnesses in his defense Wednesday, Klingenschmitt said he reached that decision after hearing God's voice three times the previous evening.
"In the trial of Jesus Christ, he never opened his mouth in his own defense," the chaplain said.
Staff writer Steve Stone contributed to this report.• Reach Kate Wiltrout at (757)446-2629 or kate.wiltrout@pilotonline.com.
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Another Whackjob using jesus as a crutch
The Lord said give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Christ himself followed secular laws. This talibanesque religious whackjob is no Christian. He places himself above Christ and his military commitment. Face it LT. It isn't about the way of Christ it is about you!
Serving almighty God, Not the US Navy
Hopefully all military chaplains are serving Almighty God,and not any particular branch of service. As for using the name of Jesus, read the book ! St John 14:6 in particular. Jesus said,"I am the way the truth, and the life;no man cometh to the Father,but by me." Bush needs to kick some butts over at the Pentagon. Shame on these stuffed shirts !!!
He knew better!
I was an enlisted man in the Navy and I'm tired of so call "Gentlemen" or Officers messing up and going before the press hoping for public acclaim. Well Mr. K. you knew the rules and you broke them...quiet crying like a little girl who just spilled catsup on her white dress. Act like a man a take your sentence for premeditated actions. Your a big boy Sir...act like a man and quiet embarrassing yourself and the Navy.
Not the whole story
Unfortunately not all of you know the whole story about Mr. Klingenschmitt. I know first hand how pompous and egotistical he is. He was reprimanded on 2 occasions for belittling other people in "the name of god". At the wake of a deceased sailor he stood in front of the family and accussed the sailor of being an alchoholic and a fornicator. Mr. Klingenschmitt does what he wants, when he wants and hides behind the chaplain name. The U.S. Navy and the Chaplains Corp is alot better off without him.
I see the connection
If Lt Klingenschmitt was out of uniform, there would be no story. That's the point. The flyers he handed out compared himself (and just about every soldier and sailor with a conscious, willing to stand up for what's right) to Rosa Parks. Does no one understand? Without having to say a word, he spoke volumes.. Of course he was aware he wasn't (technically) supposed to wear his uniform while engaged in a protest, but that's the whole point. The Rosa Parks comparison should have hit it on the head for people. The Lt is proud to serve his country. He's proud to wear the uniform. But he also has an obligation to his soul and his God. When something isn't right, strong people stand up for what they believe in. But you don't have that right in the military. Rosa Parks also broke the "law" by riding in the front, but she couldn't take her uniform off. She, too, was hauled to jail. And today she is an American icon. Lt Klingenschmitt, I see the connection.
He knew the rules
Every military person knows they're not allowed to wear the uniform at a political rally. The chaplain chose to disobey an order. He was justly found guilty. Perhaps his attorney should have called witnesses for the defense. But I guess I have a couple of questions for you folks who feel he's innocent. 1)Did he take an oath when he became a chaplain to follow the orders of those lawfully over him? 2)Did he volunteer for this service or was he drafter?
Guilty! Yes! He deserves it!
GJK spins like a politican. He disembles more than anyone I've ever seen in uniform. This is about doing simple military stuff, stuff that academy grads like GJK should know. Read his website material and you see that this was never about prayer, but the agenda of a man who doesn't work or play well with others, who has no regard for established regulations, and doesn't respect sailors. He had multiple chances to correct his behavior, still pray Jesus name, like many evangelical chaplains who care about their people do every day. Read the comments GJK posted from his crew and you see that he came into the Navy looking for a fight. If he loses his retirement that's too bad. I feel bad for his family but he did this to himself. And Roy Moore, need I say "more." He has no clue about serving in the military. His comments are irrelevant. Hopefully the ministers at the conference chip in for his civilian life and legal fees since they egged him on. They are as much to blame as him.
"Whom shall I send" Isaiah 6:8
Gordon J. Klingenschmitt answered God's call just as Isaiah did. He is a Navy "Chaplain" whether he's wearing a uniform or not. Our soldiers are still soldiers in or out of their uniforms. Many of our soldiers are in Iraq fighting for freedom. I'm sure they are proud to represent the USA in the attire that they wear. Chaplain Klingenschmitt is also fighting a battle, a spiritual battle. He also proudly wears his uniform. Isn't that what he signed up for?
Military Chaplain
I have been a miliatary Chaplain for 28 years. Never once was I told I could not pray in the Name of Jesus. This Chaplain was not accused of praying in Jesus name. He was accused of disobeying a lawful order. He was offered a Captains Mast, and probably would have received a career ending letter of reprimand. However, it would have come without fanfare and publicity. By not choosing the Captains Mast, he choose the courts martial. It was a sad case as 5 jurors were placed in a position to find someone guilty who was obviously guilty of what he was charged with. In the end, the Chaplain should have taken the CM and let it go with a career ending letter in his file. Either way, his career is over. The ministry of a Chaplain is the best thing I have ever done. I am an evangelical Chaplain and have never been told not to do anything...God has blessed my ministry! Jesus name has been lifted up!
As even Midshipmen, the lowes form of life there is know <GRIN
You don't wear a uniform to a political rally under any circumstances. The Lieutenant knew that and blatantly disregarded what amounts to standing ourders as well as specific orders not to wear his uniform. The outcome was the only possible outcome: guilty as charged.
When you are in the military, you follow orders, period, unless it is an illegal order; "Don't wear your unifirm to a political event," is not an illegal order. It is a fitting and proper order to avoid the appearance of military support of any particular political stance.
What a waste of time
What a waste of time. Ive seen sailors sleeping on the job, and these people never get busted. Whats more important?
Rules are rules
As a retired Petty Officer, I was taught from day one that you cannot and will not wear your uniform while participating in a protest. He was given a direct order..not a "please don't" or a "I wish you wouldn't" but a direct order not to wear his uniform and he disobeyed that order and should be punished like the rest of us would have been, clergy or not. We are all (were) in the military and rules are rules. They are placed there for a reason. Honor, Courage, Commitment.
What is this country coming to?
Would this have happened to a Muslim chaplain? I say not. It would have been conveniently overlooked or swept under the carpet in the name of tolerance; I say that is how this should have been handled. Don't this country and our military have enough to worry about already without this kind of nonsense?
Chaplains praying in Jesus name
I feel its so sad what they are doing to this Chaplain he is adoing what a man of God is to do.
Typical Military Crud...
I personally think, as I am sure many others think, that Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt's actions are 100% in good faith. How is anyone going to tell somebody when and where to do their job. He is a man of GOD. Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt was and is doing his job and obvious showing his love for the lord. Its typical for our military to behave in this manner. Childish. I am prior Navy, my brother is active duty E-6 Navy, he is getting out at his EAOS after almost 11 years of dedicated service because if things like this. He represented the US Military with honor, courage and commitment. He did his job as a man of faith. I think the community should come together in support of Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt so he will not be chastised for "wearing his uniform in public", to me, seeing a military member in uniform, anywhere in public used to assure me that we live within the comfort of these hero's. I think the military is way to strict and childish at the same time. GET BUSH OUT OF OFFICE
only while in uniform
The order doesn't tell chaplains "how, where and when to pray."
The order regulates what can be done while in uniform representing the United States Navy.
If you can't live by the rules the Navy sets; either get out or don't sign up.
Lets remember what he's being charged with...
I feel for Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt for standing up for his beliefs but I think tha this is not necesarily about him praying but more about him disobeying a direct order. Chaplain's are the same as every other member of the military they volunteer to serve both God and Country. Its a hard choice to make but once you do you need to realize there are people appointed above you that you must obey I have not heard that the Navy is charginig him with praying against regualtions only for wearing his uniform when he was ordered not to. I may have read everything wrong but as a veteran I was told when not to wear my uniform out, I didn't. We must obey all rules and regualtions and he chose not to. I do feel that maybe he should not receive a court marshall but he does deserve to be disciplined. We are at war lets try not to punish our own to severly. He is a devote man to God and he is a leader of men and women. He needs to take that role more seriously.