He lost everything rather than stop praying in Jesus’ name.
Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt gave up his Navy career and pension so every chaplain after him could pray freely. Today he’s still standing. Will you stand with him?
Two words at the end of a prayer
In December 2005, a Navy lieutenant began a water-only fast in Lafayette Park, across from the White House. His request was simple: let military chaplains pray according to their faith, even if that meant closing a prayer “in Jesus’ name.”
Gordon Klingenschmitt was no stranger to service. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he had given up the rank of Air Force major and taken a pay cut to become a Navy chaplain, ministering to sailors aboard the cruiser USS Anzio during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
More than 70 members of Congress and hundreds of thousands of petitioners joined his call. The Navy court-martialed him. Congress sided with him and ordered the policy rescinded. And the Navy discharged him anyway.
He never looked back. Today “Dr. Chaps” holds a PhD in Theology, has served in the Colorado House of Representatives, hosts a daily television program that prays over the news, and leads a ministry that feeds orphans and cares for widows. Everything he does still ends the same way: in Jesus’ name.
The stand, step by step
How one chaplain’s sacrifice restored a freedom for every chaplain who followed.
- December 2005
An 18-day fast at the White House
Chaps holds nightly prayer vigils in Lafayette Park, asking the President to protect chaplains’ freedom to pray by conscience. He breaks the fast with Communion bread, leading supporters in prayer.
Reported by The Washington Times and the Associated Press - March – September 2006
A prayer in uniform, and a court-martial
Chaps prays in Jesus’ name in uniform outside the White House and is court-martialed that September. He invited the trial so the policy itself would be tested in public.
Reported by The Washington Post - September – October 2006
Congress rebukes the policy
Flooded with calls, Senate Armed Services Chairman John Warner speaks on the Senate floor. Congress directs the Navy to rescind the prayer policy, and the Secretary of the Navy does so.
Reported by Baptist Press and WND - March 2007
Discharged, but unbowed
The Navy discharges Chaps. His career, a million-dollar pension, and his family’s military housing are gone. He says he would do it all over again.
Reported by Stars and Stripes - 2007 – today
A ministry that never stopped
Chaps builds a national petition network, wins election to the Colorado House in 2014 with nearly 70% of the vote, and launches PIJN NEWS, a daily program praying over the headlines.
Reported by Colorado Politics; prayinjesusname.org - Summer 2026
Still seeking justice
Nearly twenty years later, Chaps has asked President Trump to review his case, seeking reinstatement and back pay through a presidential pardon.
Reported by WND
Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, on the day of his discharge, to Stars and Stripes“I would do it all over again to stand up for what I believe.”
Where your gift goes
Three callings, one ministry. Every gift supports all three.
The gospel on the air, daily
PIJN NEWS holds each day’s headlines up to Scripture and prays over them in Jesus’ name, on 8 television networks and 16 streaming platforms.
Care for the least of these
Since 2012 the ministry has fed up to 1,100 orphans and children overseas, and it cares for widows and homeless veterans here at home.
A voice for religious freedom
From chaplains to pastors to city councils, the ministry mobilizes believers to defend the freedom to pray in Jesus’ name in the public square.
Figures as reported by Pray In Jesus Name Ministries.
Stand with Chaps today
Chaps gave up a career so others could pray freely. You don’t have to give up anything like that. A gift of any size keeps the gospel on television, food in children’s hands, and a voice for religious freedom in the halls of power.
Gifts to our religious work are tax-deductible.
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” James 1:27
You’ll enter your amount on our secure Stripe checkout. Prefer to support our political work? Give here (not tax-deductible).
Go deeper with Chaps
Books and teaching series from the ministry bookstore. Every purchase supports the work.
Navy Chaplain Who Prayed “In Jesus Name”
The whole story in his own words, from the USS Anzio to Capitol Hill.
How to Liberate the World + Effective Christian Activist
His step-by-step guide for believers who want to make their voice count.
God’s Word on Prayer
What Scripture teaches about prayer and the authority of Jesus’ name.
How to See the Holy Spirit, Angels, and Demons
A biblical study of the gift of discernment.
Discerning of Spirits
The complete video course, ideal for small groups.
The Gospel of Matthew (from Israel)
All of Matthew, taught in the land where it happened.
Questions about giving
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Gifts to our religious work through the main giving button are tax-deductible. Gifts to our political work are not deductible and are handled through a separate page.
Is giving online secure?
Yes. Online gifts are processed by Stripe, a payment platform used by millions of businesses and nonprofits. We never see or store your full card number.
Can I give monthly?
Yes. Choose “Monthly” above to set up a recurring pledge. Monthly partners give the ministry steady footing to plan broadcasts and feeding programs.
What if I’m not ready to give?
That’s perfectly fine. Watch PIJN NEWS free, join the newsletter, and pray with us. Your prayers matter as much as any gift.
Can Chaps speak at my church or event?
Chaps has preached in more than 200 churches in 28 states. Email chaplaingate@yahoo.com or call (719) 360-5132.
He stood when it cost him everything.
Your gift today says he doesn’t stand alone. Help keep the gospel on the air, children fed, and the name of Jesus spoken freely.
Give now“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17