A prominent Chaplain in the U.S. Navy could receive the boot over his Christian beliefs, his lawyer said, but officials say the chaplain has been hostile to others with lifestyles or religious views different from his own, according to Fox News.
Lieutenant Commander Wes Modder was allegedly disrespectful and insulting towards those seeking his counsel, including a gay, married officer who worked as his assistant.
The 19-year veteran has already been reassigned after his commanding officer found he failed to "uphold the core capabilities of chaplains," a position that requires sensitivity to other religions and cultures, Fox News reported.
"Your inability to comfort and counsel in a manner that was respectful of the counselee while maintaining dignity and professionalism...led you to being relieved of your duties," J.R. Fahs, Modder's C.O., wrote in a memorandum to the chaplain.
A military investigation into Modder's conduct is underway. Modder, who served in the Marine Corps, claimed he was being targeted because of his Christian values.
But Fahs said that accusation has no grounds because Modder was never restricted from expressing his beliefs during counseling.
The chaplain's lawyer, Michael Berry, who specializes in religious freedom cases, told Fox News they will appeal Modder's reassignment.
"The Navy is telling Chaplain Modder- you have to choose between disciplinary action or following your religious beliefs," Berry said. "Because Chaplain Modder chose his religious beliefs, his commanding officer threatened him with career-ending punishment."
The probe comes after an unnamed gay officer sought counsel from Modder about homosexuality a month after he became Modder's assistant. The officer soon filed a five-page complaint against the chaplain.
"His five-page letter of complaint was unconscionable," Modder told Fox News. "It was insulting and devastating."
While the investigation is underway, supporters and advocates have rallied behind Modder, who is currently stationed at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in South Carolina.
A petition calling on the Navy and Defense Secretary Ash Carter to call off the investigation has reached over 83,000 signatures as of Friday.
