DEARBORN, Mich.— At the exact moment the Supreme Court decision was announced today, striking down key portions of the Defense of Marriage Act, Chaplain John Murdoch was standing on the platform of the GARBC Conference, introducing chaplains who stand at the forefront of a growing religious freedom controversy.
“It’s a sad day in our country,” said GARBC National Representative John Greening, who led in a prayer of dedication for the chaplains.
“I am saddened by this. I am not surprised by this,” Chaplain Murdoch said of the court decision. Speaking to the messengers who had just passed a key revision to the GARBC Articles of Faith, Chaplain Murdoch said, “You have helped us tremendously yesterday with the constitutional change that is in placed on marriage, because every chaplain is required by the government to stand true to the beliefs of their endorsing body.”
The chaplains had previously requested that the GARBC add additional language to the Articles of Faith, clarifying the association’s long-standing position against same-sex marriage. The revised doctrinal language, approved yesterday, helps the chaplains demonstrate that they are following the beliefs of their association of churches.
For now, Murdoch says the court decision will not affect the chaplaincy. For now, they continue to minister with freedom. But Murdoch used the opportunity to challenge conference guests toward greater awareness and advocacy.
“Above all, we must pray,” Murdoch says.
Later in the day the Chaplains Alliance for Religious Liberty responded with a formal statement to express disappointment with the court decision. “The Chaplain Alliance calls on Congress to pass enhanced religious liberty protections for all military personnel,” the statement said.
The GARBC is a founding member of the Chaplains Alliance, an organization of chaplain endorsers representing more than 2,000 active duty chaplains. The GARBC’s John Murdoch serves on the Chaplains Alliance board.
While the political news seemed to drive a good bit of the day’s conversation, the day was also filled with activity, beginning with the Baptist Builder’s Club breakfast, continuing through the morning service and workshops, and extending into the afternoon’s interactive discussions.
The Supreme Court DOMA decision was still a hot topic at the end of the day, when Chaplain John Murdoch hosted the Corps Vets reception after the evening session. He introduced two GARBC Chaplains, Maj. John Jensen (Army) and Capt. Brad Kelsey (Air Force) to about 50 guests.
According to Chaplain Kelsey, he often fields religious freedom questions from the churches he visits, sometimes motivated by wrong information. “Some of the ‘watch groups’ can blow things out of proportion in the media,” Kelsey said, describing his freedom to minister to the soldiers.
“I don’t have a gag in my mouth. I can still preach the gospel freely from the pulpit.”
- View our gallery of Wednesday’s conference photos.
- Listen to Jon Jenks’ sermon from Hebrews 11:6, “Diligently Seek Christ by Faith.” Download sermon notes.
- Listen to Dave Doran’s workshop, “The Mission of the Church and Missions.”
- Listen to Mark Shaw’s sermon from Psalm 51:10, “Renewing a Steadfast Spirit.” Download sermon notes.
- Download the GARBC Conference Notebook.
- Read “Renew, Recharge, Remember Who You Are,”a report on the Students Alive! Program.
- Read “TFC: All in the Family,” a report on the Talents For Christ group competition.
- TechPartner.org, a ministry with Baptist Church Planters, is providing live streaming video of the evening sessions.