Letters: Armed forces could use him

Re “Applying for chaplain — as a humanist,” Aug. 18

Unbelievable. Congressional Republicans oppose funding a humanist chaplain to serve humanist armed forces personnel.

It’s mean-spirited — and, indeed, unpatriotic — to not provide a humanist chaplain to minister to the spiritual needs of humanist service members, and especially to preside over their funerals.

True patriots — believers and non-believers alike — should shun any politician set on penalizing military personnel who don’t share his or her theistic notions. The Republican Party’s relentless push toward theocracy shames us all.

Sandra Perez
Santa Maria

As an atheist, I understand how these young servicemen and women would prefer to discuss their personal concerns without God being brought into the discussion.

Jason Heap appears to be an ideal candidate for this position. The armed forces must bring their rules in this regard into the 21st century.

Jim Throgmorton
Seal Beach

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