Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

November 2016 – Lt. Commander Wesley J. “Wes” Modder’s (above) distinguished career had been threatened after critics falsely accused him of using his Christian faith to belittle gay and female sailors. The claim originated while the chaplain served in Charleston, South Carolina, and conveyed biblical views during private counseling sessions with several sailors, at least one of whom was homosexual. 

“I came to find out later that he was a gay activist, and I was targeted,” the retired chaplain said. “And, of course, the chaplain I was working with at this Navy Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston – she was a very liberal United Methodist command chaplain. She decided to escalate it, brought charges that I was intolerant [and] not able to function in a diverse pluralistic environment."

First Liberty provided legal representation, and Modder was cleared last September. On September 6, 2016, following 20 years of unblemished service and two years in a public battle for religious liberty, he received his honorable discharge and a medal of commendation from the U.S. Navy. 

thewashingtontimes.com, 11/4/15; onenewsnow, 9/12/16