JOINT AU/MRFF LETTER TO
CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

April 16, 2009

To: Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Chief of Naval Operations

We write today with information concerning Gordon James Klingenschmitt, a former Navy chaplain whom we believe is attempting to create the false impression that he is still an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces.

As you may know, Klingenschmitt was involved in a dispute with naval officials in 2005-06 over the types of prayers he was expected to offer at public events. After a series of such clashes, Klingenschmitt was removed from the Navy in 2007.

We were surprised, therefore, to see the enclosed e-mail message from Klingenschmitt dated March 30, 2009. The e-mail includes a photo of Klingenschmitt in a naval uniform and it is signed by “Chaplain Gordon
James Klingenschmitt.”

Anyone reading this message who was unfamiliar with Klingenschmitt’s history would assume it was coming from an active-duty chaplain. This appears to be a deliberate attempt on the part of Klingenschmitt to create this impression. He would like to exploit the prestige of the U.S. Navy to promote his latest venture, a website with political content called www.prayinjesusname.org.

This site, which also includes a photograph of Klingenschmitt in uniform, includes an appeal for donations, noting that funds may be given over the Internet via credit cards. (See enclosed screen image of the homepage of Klingenschmitt’s Web site, captured April 16, 2009.)

Title 18 USC Sec. 912 Chapter 43 is clear about misuse of military uniforms. Sec. 912 reads, “Whoever falsely assumes or pretends to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the United States or any department, agency or officer thereof, and acts as such, or in such pretended character demands or obtains any money, paper, document, or thing of value, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.”

By using a photo of himself in a naval uniform and signing his appeal as “Chaplain,” Klingenschmitt has, we believe, violated this portion of
federal law.

We urge you to investigate this matter and fully enforce the law.

Sincerely,

Barry W. Lynn,
Executive Director
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
518 C Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
www.au.org

Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein, Esq.
Founder & President
Military Religious Freedom Foundation
www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org

cc: Vice Admiral Bruce MacDonald
Judge Advocate Generals Corps,
United States Navy Judge Advocate General
1322 Patterson Ave.
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, D.C. 20374-5066