The retired three-star general (Lt. Gen. Jim Pillsbury) went on to describe the sanctuary at his church where his pastor has two chairs and one table near the pulpit. The two chairs represent opposites -- black and white, Republican and democrat, boy and girl, peacemaker and warrior, straight and gay -- and the table represents inclusiveness.
"Do you have room in your heart for those who are different from what your beliefs are? I firmly believe the intention of our Lord is for us to read the Bible and interpret the Bible based on our relationship with the Lord. The word is not black and white. That is why Jesus told parables," Pillsbury said.
"You can make room at the table or you can get out. I know all of you have wrestled with that."
"In the 1950s, when the Army began integrating segregated black Soldiers into its units, and throughout the '60s and '70s as integration was fully realized, chaplains did not take lead in making that happen, he said. In the 1970s and '80s, as the Army integrated women into its ranks, chaplains were again not at the forefront of change. And, now, as the Army works to include gays and other gender differences, the chaplain corps has been silent," he said.
The story was published on the official website of The United States Army, indicating it is a message from the Army to all chaplains. That may be especially difficult for Southern Baptist and Catholic chaplains, who have steadfastly opposed the most recent inclusiveness in the U.S. Military.
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