1. ADVISING THE INSTITUTION ON POLICY ISSUES
Session 3
2012 Chaplain Development Conference
SWBTS

2. POLICY
A principle, procedure, or rule to guide decisions and achieve organizational success; a statement of intent; an instrument of change, stability, or clarity that leads an organization to a desired desired endstate
Chaplains advise on policy matters effecting religion, morals, and morale

3. Religious Policies Praying at public events Chapel utilization
Memorial Ceremony For A Suicide
Accommodation of religion
Chaplains and Combatives Training
Chaplains as non-combatants
Religious Holidays/Observances

4. Policies Impacting Chaplains
Suicide Prevention Training Program
Disciplinary Action Policy
Moral Leadership Training
Sexual Harassment Action Plan
Spiritual Fitness Program
Diversity Training
Respect For Others in the Workplace
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy

5. REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY INFORMATION BRIEFING ARMY CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS

7. Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
1993 – Pres. Clinton signs DADT policy into effect
2007 – Sen. Obama promises repeal of DADT
2008 – Bipartisan study group of senior retired military officers assesses the policy; any changes could not risk readiness, morale, good order and discipline, unit cohesion
2009 – Policy discussion among military staff
Feb 2010 – DADT Tier 1 Training begins
Dec 22, 2010 – President Obama signs repeal of DADT

8. 2008 Study Group Findings
One: The law locks the military’s hands from adapting DADT policy to changing circumstances
Two: Existing military laws and regulations provide commanders means to discipline bad behavior
Three: DADT has forced some commanders to choose between breaking the law and undermining the cohesion of their units
Four: DADT has prevented some GLBT service members from obtaining psychological and medical care as well as religious counseling
Five: DADT has caused us loss of talented troops

9. 2008 Study Group Findings (2)
Six: DADT has compelled some GLBT service members to lie about their identity.
Seven: Many GLBT are serving openly.
Eight: DADT has made it harder from some GLBT to perform their duties.
Nine: Military attitudes towards gays and lesbians are changing.
Ten: Evidence shows that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly is unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline, or cohesion.

10. 2008 Study Recommendations
ONE: Congress should repeal 10 USC 654 and return authority for personnel policy under this law back to DoD
TWO: Prerogative to disclose sexual orientation should be considered a personal and private matter
THREE: Remove from DoD directives all references to “bisexual”, “homosexual”, “homosexual conduct “, “homosexual acts”.
FOUR: Immediately establish and reinforce safeguards for the confidentiality between service members and chaplains, doctors, mental health.

11. CHAPLAINS AND DADT Policy concerns:
-- Free exercise of religion for all Soldiers
-- Confidentiality
-- Continued faithful advocate for the welfare of soldiers, families, and DoD civilians
Chaplain concerns:
-- Free exercise of religion
-- Not required to take actions violating own faith
-- Ensure dignity and respect for all
-- Importance of advising the commander

12. ADDRESSING POLICY CONCERNS
Informally address concerns with appropriate colleagues and administration
Formally address concern to supervisor or administration via memoranda requesting a formal response
Approach organization’s board of directors
Address concern outside of the organization
Notify appropriate agencies such as governor’s office or Congress, advocacy group, or media

13. Regarding Policy
When is an organizational policy a “deal breaker” for me as a Christian minister/chaplain?

14. Roman Catholic Response To the National Health Care Policy
*A “Fortnight For Freedom”
--June 21 to July 4
--purpose: to highlight the importance of religious freedom
--an ecumenical event focusing on prayer, education, and public action
--involvement of SBC churches?

15. QUESTIONS?