Jewish Groups Urge Pentagon to Halt Messianic Chaplains’ Use of Jewish Insignia

Overview

• The Aleph Institute asked the Armed Forces Chaplains Board to investigate the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and to revoke its endorsement authority if clergy continue wearing the Jewish chaplain insignia.
• The Department of Defense confirmed receipt of the letters and said it has not announced any policy changes.
• Messianic leaders say their chaplains identify as Jewish and follow existing policy on insignia, noting UMJC has five chaplains serving and three candidates in training and would accept a distinct emblem if the Pentagon creates one.
• The Jewish Chaplains Council and the Rabbinical Council of America joined Aleph’s effort, arguing that using Jewish symbols by Messianic clergy risks confusion and misrepresentation in military settings.
• A cited case involves Marine chaplain James Burling, trained at Christian institutions, who says he wears the insignia directed by his endorser, while a San Diego rabbi familiar with his studies describes him as Christian.