Navy chaplain discharged after court delay

WASHINGTON — A military chaplain who publicly protested a Navy policy that urged "nonsectarian" prayers was discharged March 1.

Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt signed the final documents after an appeals court determined that his suit against the Navy did not demonstrate the "stringent standards required" to prevent the court from halting his discharge.

Klingenschmitt received orders stating he was to be dismissed by Jan. 31 after his request to renew his chaplain appointment with a different denomination was denied. But the appeals court postponed the discharge until it had reviewed his case.

Klingenschmitt, who was a lieutenant, had argued against a Navy policy that urged chaplains to lead "nonsectarian" prayers outside traditional worship services. Late last year, Congress passed a bill that dropped the policy the chaplain opposed.