For 230 years, America has been "the land of the free." Our country has thrived on a solid commitment to political, economic and religious freedom for all of her citizens. The free proclamation and practice of differing faiths has never harmed our country. It has only made her stronger.

Our service men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Of all people, they must be allowed religious freedom without unreasonable restrictions. Whenever possible they must have access to chaplains who may freely proclaim and exemplify their particular faith in an uncensored manner.

There is no true Christian chaplaincy (or practice) apart from preaching salvation through faith in Christ alone. Jesus Himself said, "no one comes to the Father, but through Me." Jesus' apostles recognized His exclusive claims, too, confessing: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." This is the doctrinal "rock" upon which Jesus is building His church, whether on main streets or military bases.

A Christian chaplain who preaches salvation through Christ alone is only doing his job as "a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3).

Preach on, brothers! We need more than a few good men like you!

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

Burbank

I am not worried too much about how our servicemen and women are being ministered to. However, I am always concerned when one religious group seems to imply that it has "the Truth," with the implication being that other religious traditions do not.

Unfortunately, some evangelical Christians probably do come across with an "I have the truth and you don't" attitude, and that sort of attitude gives all Christians a bad name. Let me illustrate the point with this story about the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, who died in 1971. The author Will Herberg, before he wrote his famous book, "Protestant, Catholic, Jew," saw something Niebuhr wrote, or heard something Niebuhr said, and then got in touch with the theologian. Herberg, a Jew, wanted to talk to Niebuhr about becoming a Christian. Niebuhr's response was that he would be glad to talk to Herberg about becoming a Christian, but before Herberg made that decision, Niebuhr suggested that the author look into his own faith (Judaism) for the elements that Herberg liked in his perception of Christianity. Herberg did look into Judaism, and evidently rediscovered his own heritage, because he did not convert. He remained a Jew.

The reason I love this story is that Reinhold Niebuhr, in his marvelous understanding of the greatness of God, apparently realized that God is in all religious traditions, not only mine. Thanks be to God for his all-encompassing love for us all.

THE REV. C.L.

"SKIP" LINDEMAN

Congregational Church

of the Lighted Window

United Church of Christ

La Cañada Flintridge

As much as I love the teachings of Jesus Christ, it would be very unfortunate if evangelical ministers serving as chaplains in the military were being trained "to go out there and win souls for Jesus." If they are not so trained, and I hope that is the case, those who proselytize in this way should be told to stop the practice or face discharge.

This is not a case of freedom of religion as I see it. The primary function of military chaplains should be to comfort and inspire men and women of all faiths. Trying to pressure our personnel to convert to another faith should not be a part of their job descriptions. The last thing a military person needs is a chaplain who thinks winning souls for Jesus is more important than serving such a person in an ecumenical manner. I am a firm believer that a spiritual leader can be far more effective through being a living example of goodness than through undue attempts at persuasion to convert.

THE REV . THOMAS E.

WITHERSPOON

Unity Church of the Valley

La Crescenta

Of all the people to play head-games with, soldiers might be considered the easiest targets. As the saying goes, there are no atheists in foxholes.

Thoughts of God and salvation are very comforting to most humans and are craved even more when stress levels are high.

We can only imagine the added stress on the lives of our soldiers. They have been separated from family and friends, living on foreign soil. They witness carnage daily and face the reality that life can be over any minute. And so, if a minister is able to offer these young men and women a bit of comfort or stability or a ray of hope, more power to them.

The success these chaplains have is not based only on their message, rather it is a combination of factors, and the chaplain's ability to lead by example weighs in the heaviest. That is, if the chaplain is offering serenity and a helping hand, our soldiers find a home in that faith.

Religion at its best should be all about making sense of the senseless -- bringing order to chaos. I can't think of a more appropriate place to begin than on the battle fields, whether in Iraq, on our streets or in our lives.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church Youth

Ministries

A military chaplain may be the most likely individual to minister comfort and counsel to a serviceman or woman in a time of crisis. The concern arises that fervently religious chaplains may push their own viewpoint rather than employing a more universal approach in working with individuals.

Members of the Baha'i faith are encouraged to inform others about our teachings, but are forbidden from proselytizing. This means that although we eagerly spread the word of Baha'u'llah's teachings, we may not place undue pressure upon people by either intimidating them or offering inducements. We hope that a military chaplain of any faith would advise our service personnel with wisdom and sensitivity, knowing that we are a nation of many faith traditions. The chaplaincy can and should provide words to spiritually uplift and comfort, without proselytizing.

BARBARA CRAMER

Secretary

Spiritual Assembly of