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VA Affirms Sermons Can Be Explicitly Christian
We have previously covered Trubey, a chaplain who was punished for preaching a biblical sermon that some found offensive. Now, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has sided with him, rescinding all punishment and affirming explicitly biblical and Christian sermons.
From The Christian Post. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that chaplains can preach sermons with obviously Christian content at affiliated medical facilities and has rescinded a letter of reprimand after a chaplain was punished last year.
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In aĀ letterĀ written in late February but recently made public, VA Secretary Doug Collins said “there is no national or local policy or standard operating procedure which inhibits Chaplain sermons.”
“To the extent that there have been any proposed changes to any existing policy, those proposals will not move forward and have been rescinded,” wrote Collins.
“VA reiterates again its commitment to upholding and enforcing the constitutional and statutory protections afforded to Chaplains when providing spiritual guidance in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.”
Collins, a military chaplain in his own right, is a former Baptist pastor and member of Congress appointed to the position by President Donald Trump. He vowed that the “VA will take all steps necessary to avoid any future inconsistent actions,” and it is his “hope that these measures adequately resolve this matter.”
The letter was sent to Hiram Sasser of the First Liberty Institute, a conservative legal organization representingĀ Russell Trubey, a chaplain punished for delivering a Christian sermon at the Coatesville VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
According to FLI, Trubey delivered a sermon at a worship service held at the Coatesville facility in June 2024 that was centered on the New Testament book of Romans.
After the service, a VA police officer claimed that complaints were made about his sermon. Trubey was later removed from duties and threatened with a report on his permanent record.
Although the proposed punishment was rescinded, Trubey’s supervisor tried implementing a sermon review process and limiting the topics on which VA chaplains could preach.
On Feb. 11, FLI sent a letter to the VA Department regarding the situation, with Collins writing his response clarifying that there were no speech restrictions for VA chaplains.
“With respect to the Letter of Reprimand issued to Chaplain Trubey on November 21, 2024, the determination to release that document to Chaplain Trubey was made in error and was rescinded once staff were counseled regarding the complexities of the applicable laws,” Collins wrote.
In aĀ statementĀ released Thursday, FLI Associate Counsel Erin Smith said that she was “thrilled” by the response from the department, seeing it as a victory for religious freedom.
“Secretary Collins made it clear that the government has no business censoring anyone’s sermon, including military chaplains,” stated Smith.
“We are thrilled that Chaplain Trubey and his colleagues will no longer face the possibility of censorship or punishment for simply speaking according to their faith. We thank Secretary Collins for his protection of religious liberty.”
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This article was originally published at The Christian Post. Used with permission. Photo Credit: doidam10 via Canva Teams.
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“Although the proposed punishment was rescinded, Trubeyās supervisor tried implementing a sermon review process and limiting the topics on which VA chaplains could preach.”
Galatians 1:8 But even if we ā or, for that matter, an angel from heaven! ā were to announce to you some so-called āGood Newsā contrary to the Good News we did announce to you, let him be under a curse forever!
Psalm 97 (2) The Lord Reigns
Dear LORD and Father God, Your Word is everything. IT spoke all of creation into existence. IT became flesh and dwelled among man. IT is alive and active. I pray a mighty strengthening for all who preach the Gospel. May they, like Chaplain Trubey, deliver messages sharper than any double-edged sword, cutting to the heart of the listeners and exposing all thingsā¦not only to You LORD but to themselves. As for those who feel the need to censor Your Truthā¦.have Your way Lordā¦.it is always just and right and goodā¦.Your Word says “righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” May Your Word (unadulterated) be the foundation of every message spoken by our chaplains, pastors and priests. I ask this in the Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen
Praise God.