Starting at city hall, about 1,000 supporters walked two miles (3.2 kilometers) to the hospital in support of Danny Harvey, who was fired as chaplain last month, after using the word Jesus at the end of a prayer. He worked at the facility for nearly eight years.
A hospital spokesperson reportedly said that Harvey had been told several times over the last several years that his prayers sparked complaints from patients. Earlier however hospital spokeswoman Diane Maimone reportedly wrote, "the issue was not about praying in the name of Jesus Christ, as has been claimed."
The 49-year-old chaplain said however he would continue to invoke Jesus name in prayers and, "To break down all barriers of denominational walls, but just to stand for the common thread of Jesus." Since his termination, Harvey sought legal counsel, but is still in touch with hospital administration. He wrote a letter to the chairman of the hospital board, asking for his job back.
"UNITING IN CHRIST"
March organizer Pastor John Kimer said however in a statement obtained by BosNewsLife that although, "This march was inspired by Chaplain Harvey, this march is not protesting the hospital, or demanding his job back, but for the churches to unite in the community, and stand up for the name of Jesus Christ."
Former Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, who made national headlines after facing court-martial for praying in Jesus name in uniform, supported Saturday’s march. "We want Chaplain Harvey reinstated," Kingenschmitt said in a statement.
"The fact CEO Louis Bremer resigned in the face of public scandal should serve as a warning to employers everywhere, that the American public will not tolerate religious discrimination against chaplains or any employees who pray in Jesus name, or share their faith in public." (With reporting from the United States).
