On chaplaincy

In keeping with the commendable efforts of The Alabama Baptist to be objective in reporting on controversial issues, the article about chaplains on Page 8 of the Dec. 15, 2005, issue was on target.

Observing the apostle Paul’s directive to be “all things to all people” isn’t easy, but I noted while serving for over 25 years as a Department of Defense civilian employee that chaplains were spiritually adept at meeting individual needs in a diverse military environment.

It was gratifying to read that Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Jim Glass does not feel that he has had to compromise his beliefs to fulfill his role as a chaplain. Hopefully he will never be “muzzled.”

John A. Vanderford
Jacksonville, Ala.