An Army chaplain is being criticized for calling a day of prayer and fasting today, the first day of Passover.

The Religion News Service reports that Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, a Southern Baptist and Army Chief of Chaplains, issued his call for prayer and fasting in response to the rising suicide rates among soldiers.

Last year, the RNS reported, the Army reported the highest suicide rate since record-keeping began in 1980.

“I therefore call the Chaplaincy to a Day of Prayer and Fasting, in keeping with your religious traditions, to be observed on 8 April 2009 that the united cry of our Corps will be heard and answered regarding the protection, preservation, and peace for our Soldiers and Families,” Carver said in his proclamation, which was issued March 2.

The RNS reported that Carver told Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention’s official news agency, that “April 8 is a Wednesday and prayer meeting night for Southern Baptists, so we really encourage not only Baptists but all local churches to pray for the military.”

The Religion News Service pointed out that Carver, as chief of chaplains, has oversight of Army chaplains of all faiths, including Jewish rabbis.

The news service said dozens of Jewish soldiers and chaplains have filed complaints with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group that advocates religious neutrality in the military. Mikey Weinstein, president of the group, told the RNS that there has been a “tsunami” of complaints against the Day of Prayer, and believes the conflict with Passover is inexcusable.

“The fact that this would fall on this same day is not just wrong or bad, but unforgivable, and Carver should be severely disciplined,” Weinstein said.

Weinstein’s group is currently suing the Department of Defense for a “pernicious and pervasive pattern and practice of unconstitutional rape of the precious religious freedoms” of those in the military, and the group believes the Day of Prayer is just the latest example, the RNS reported.

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins at sundown. It commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt. A seder, a ceremonial meal traditionally held during Passover, is typically held on the first and second nights of the holiday. 

(PHOTO above taken by Jaconna Aguirre, The Oklahoman)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

The site’s creator said it comes at a time when many Americans are losing their jobs,  and some of them doesn’t know where to turn for answers pertaining to their job loss.

The site is  designed to help workers understand their rights and protections and become advocates for themselves, Anne Janks, a worker advocate and the Web site’s creator, said in a news release.

The site at www.canmybossdothat.com offers state specific information to help in real life situations.

“The need for clear, usable information for people who are facing unemployment is overwhelming,” Janks said.

“We’re seeing more bosses cutting corners and breaking employment laws. This Web site is one way workers can make sure they understand how best to protect themselves.”

Information is given pertaining to situations such as:

– A teacher trying to find out if her student can collect unemployment after quitting because she was groped by her boss.

– An upscale grocery store closes, with no notice. Workers are told to take their final pay in food and wine.

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Carla Hinton

Religion Editor    

InterfaithFamily.com wants to know what interfaith families are doing for Passover and Easter.

The winner of the drawing will be announced March 17. InterfaithFamily.com will announce the results of the survey in late March. For more Passover and Easter resources, check out othe Web site’s Passover and Easter Resource Page.