🚨 Warning: Chaplain Access & Support for Religious Accommodation Processing

[Tony]

This is scary. Be careful when you talk to a Chaplain or even RP...

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS.
The Chaplains responsibility is to determine the religious nature of the request and provide advisory input to the command. In accordance with REF B, chaplains will conduct required consultations via in-person, telephone, or video teleconference as operationally required, complete NAVPERS 1730/2, and advise the Sailor that the consultation is not confidential or privileged communication.

 NAVADMIN 149/26

Note:
When you talk to a chaplain with the expectation that the conversation is strictly private, it is legally called a privileged communication. Because of this legal protection, the chaplain generally cannot be forced to disclose what you tell them in a court of law or to superiors.

In a military or pastoral context, these private, confidential discussions are often referred to as pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, or simply confidential pastoral care.

The scope of this protection can vary depending on your situation:

• Military: In the armed forces, this absolute confidentiality is strictly known as military chaplain privilege (protected under Military Rule of Evidence 503).
• Civilian: In civilian life, clergy-penitent privilege protects these conversations, though state laws vary on whether it applies only to formal confessions or extends to general counseling.