Chaplain Modder was under the belief that the young man who had sought his counseling was struggling. He had become aware during these sessions that he was increasingly being pressed as to his personal beliefs regarding homosexuality and eventually he had shared them. What has now become evident is that he was intentionally set up by an openly gay man with a same sex partner. On December 6th two Equal Opportunity officers arrived at his office carrying five pages of complaints against him for discrimination against the man with whom he had been counseling.

It is made clear to all clergy who join the military chaplaincy that there are public events when attendance is not optional and that sensitivity to the beliefs of others is both proper and expected. To candidly express one's personal view in matters of faith though has never been prohibited nor considered to be improper.

VOL reached out to Captain Jon Fahs, the Commanding Officer who ordered the Chaplain's removal, for his comment on the matter. Captain Fahs stated that it would be improper for him to do so but suggested that questions be redirected to the Navy's Chief of Chaplain's Office. As of yet there has been no response to our request .

VOL has learned that there may be more to this story and in fact may be part of an overall general assault on Christians serving in the military. There is an additional speculation that one of the targets may include Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Admiral Margaret Kibben.

Kibben is the 26th and the first female Navy Chief of Chaplains. For anyone expecting a poster child for political correctness she has proven a disappointment. She is a highly competent, and a gifted leader as well as orthodox in her Christian beliefs. She understands that there is a non sectarian nature to military chaplaincy, but its is not at the forfeiture of ones faith. She reflects the old Navy Chaplain motto "Cooperation without Compromise." She has written that to "to grow spiritually is at the center for moral and ethical foundation" of chaplains and they must be "free and able to experience and enjoy a community of faith." As one stated she is not a "Female" Chief of Chaplains but a Chief of Chaplains who happens to be female."

Additional sources have provided VOL with a March 10th memo from her office to denominational agents who are responsible for selecting and endorsing the chaplains who serve in the military concerning the situation with Chaplain Modder. The memo states her intention to "stay engaged on this matter." She further adds that "Your Navy places a high value on the rights of chaplains to be able to provide religious ministry according to the tenants of their faith... just as it expects chaplains to treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of religious beliefs."

It is critical that all of the facts regarding Chaplain Modder and his accuser be made public. It is imperative that the public know whether the Navy was manipulated or an intentional participant in an attack on a Christian for expressing his beliefs. Those who are behind this must be exposed and held accountable to the full extent of the law.

Ladson F. Mills III is a retired priest with over thirty years pastoral experience. He served as a Marine Corps line officer and upon his ordination transferred to the Navy Chaplain Corps. He is retired from the Navy Reserves with the rank of Captain. He is a regular contributor to 'Virtueonline."