JWV Urges Senate to Remove Chaplain Proselytizing Provisions from FY2027 NDAA
The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) is urging the Senate to remove provisions of the Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 contained in the House-passed FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8800) that could permit military chaplains to proselytize service members of other faiths.
In a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee leadership, JWV National Commander Selina Kanowitz, MSgt USAFR (Ret.), requested the removal of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Section 599(b). JWV believes the language risks blurring the important distinction between protecting a chaplain’s religious liberty and permitting proselytizing while serving in an official command, counseling, or unit capacity.
JWV strongly supports the religious liberty of military chaplains and their ability to preach, worship, and minister according to their faith. Military chaplains, however, also have a responsibility to care for all service members, regardless of religious belief. Allowing proselytizing in official settings could undermine that trust, discourage service members from seeking counseling and support, and make personnel of minority faiths or no faith feel excluded.
JWV brings a unique perspective to this issue. Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans, JWV is the nation’s longest-serving active veterans service organization and has spent 131 years defending the rights and well-being of those who serve. JWV also played an important role in advocating for the inclusion of Jewish chaplains in the U.S. military during World War I.
JWV urges the Senate to safeguard a military chaplaincy that allows chaplains to represent their faith while supporting all service members in their faith. This crucial framework ensures that every service member can seek spiritual guidance and support with confidence, free from religious pressure or coercion. Chaplains must acknowledge and respect every voice.
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About Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans in response to false claims that Jews had not served their country, the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. is the nation’s longest active veterans service organization. For 131 years, JWV has advocated for all of America’s veterans, defended the honor and contributions of Jewish members of the U.S. Armed Forces, fought antisemitism, and championed the democratic values and religious freedoms that American veterans have served to protect.
