When sexual mores in a culture are relaxed, it’s not always just ‘live and let live.’ Sometimes sexual liberty runs right smack into religious liberty and battle lines form. Some of the preliminary outcomes of these battles are discouraging, so it’s great to report a victory in the case of a decorated Marine and Navy Chaplain and — really — for all chaplains in the U.S. military.
Here’s the story:
Wes Modder served in the Marines before pursuing God’s call to become a pastor. He became a Navy Chaplain, endorsed by his denomination, the Assemblies of God. Wes was Chaplain for Navy Special Forces command, even serving a Navy SEAL unit. He received many honors and commendations from his superiors. But one commander, who initially gave him high performance marks, turned on him.
In private counseling sessions, when asked about sexual conduct and same-sex marriage, Chaplain Modder responded with biblical truth. His gay, married assistant complained to Captain Fahs, Chaplain Modder’s commander at the Naval Nuclear Power Command at Goose Creek, South Carolina.
Captain Fahs then accused the chaplain of being intolerant and “unfit” and deemed his counseling “a recipe for tragedy.” He relieved Chaplain Modder of most of his duties and recommended he be “detached for cause” and that he face a board of inquiry, which would decide whether he’d be ejected from the Navy.
Chaplain Modder’s attorneys at Liberty Institute called this attack on him “a clear test.” “If someone like Wes Modder could be toppled by the sexual revolution,” they mused, “what person of faith would be safe?”
Liberty Institute partnered with top law firm, Wilmer Hale, to defend Chaplain Modder. They dug in and prepared for a likely years-long battle. But, on September 4 the Navy informed Wes Modder that all charges against him had been dropped. He is totally reinstated, entirely exonerated, and can now continue as a chaplain preaching Biblical truth and counseling according to his Christian beliefs. He even gets to pick his next assignment!
Captain Fahs, who attempted to have Chaplain Modder removed from the military, was quickly retired from the Navy.
Four years ago, the U.S military began allowing open homosexuals to serve. The implications of this and the Supreme Court’s decision regarding same-sex marriage are being worked out in cases like Chaplain Modder’s. A chaplain can be a great help to troops who struggle with sexual temptation, homosexual assault, and conflicts with their own faith and values.
But chaplains don’t always know which counselees have an agenda or only want affirmation for sinful behavior. Chaplains become targets for persecution. It’s no accident that Chaplain Modder was just short of the 20-year mark at which members of the military can take retirement. The activists within the military figure: With a wife and kids to support, perhaps this guy can be intimidated and we’ll set a precedent. But this chaplain stood strong. And his victory sends a strong signal.
