Chaplain Andrew Calvert Case

Andrew Calvert is a dedicated military chaplain who has served 16 years in the military and has deployed to combat zones three times.

Earlier this year, from his personal Facebook, Chaplain Calvert responded to an Army Times article titled, “Source: Biden to drop Trump’s military transgender ban.” Published in January, Chaplain Calvert’s post questioned a forthcoming decision to repeal the Department of Defense’s (DOD) policy regarding transgender service members. His response was in accordance with his sincerely held religious beliefs, and at the time of his post, the Army’s policies. His account clearly disclaimed any official endorsement, and argued scientific evidence supported by the DOD policy at the time.

3rd Security Forces Assistance Brigade’s (3SFAB) official Facebook account received several anonymous direct messages with screenshots of Chaplain Calvert’s January 25 posting. In response to these direct messages, they directed an investigation to determine whether Chaplain Calvert violated Army regulations or policy.

Despite Chaplain Calvert’s post being in concord with the policy at the time, the Army concluded that Chaplain Calvert’s comments constituted unlawful discrimination. The Investigating Officer recommended that Chaplain Calvert receive a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR).

After First Liberty Institute challenged that decision, sending a letter to the commanding officer reminding him that taking adverse action against Chaplain Calvert because he expressed his sincerely held religious beliefs and personal views on matters of public concern violates federal and military law, the Army agreed not to issue a formal reprimand against Chaplain Calvert.  The decision clears the way for Chaplain Calvert’s record to be cleared, resulting in the possibility of future promotions and assignments.

“We’re very happy for Chaplain Calvert and we commend the Army for making the right decision,” said Mike Berry, General Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “No service member should ever be punished because of their religious beliefs.”

Chaplain Calvert said, “I am grateful for this favorable decision, and I look forward to continue meeting the spiritual needs of the soldiers with whom I serve.”