US Navy rejects application of atheist chaplain

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has turned down the application of an atheist chaplain to serve in the Navy Chaplain Corps.

Jason Heap, a secular humanist and the national coordinator for the United Coalition of Reason based in Washington, first attempted to become a chaplain under the Obama administration. His application was denied in 2014 and a lawsuit failed.

Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said the Navy Chaplain Appointment and Retention Eligibility Advisory Group recommended the Navy approve Heap’s application. Wicker and other members of Congress called on the Navy to reject the application, however, and the Navy complied. Wicker and others argue that the Navy has authority to create programs for atheist service members but chaplains are for religious members. (TAB)