Via Religion Clause, Navy chaplain Klingenschmitt has gotten a reprieve at the last moment from a panel of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. His contract had not been renewed and he was scheduled to be discharged on February 1 after high-profile battles over his right to lead sectarian prayers at public, mandatory events and his subsequent protest while in uniform.
"Lt. Klingenschmitt's request to renew his contract under a new endorser was denied," Navy spokesman Lt. Tommy Crosby said last month. "The determination was based on a review of his record to include his military record and performance as a naval officer."
Klingenschmitt had filed suit against the Navy Secretary and hopes to stay on as chaplain until that suit has been heard. A decision is expected in the next week as to whether this temporary injunction will be increased for that purpose.
