"Freedom of religion around the world is a fundamental human right, it's a source of stability," said Lt. Cmdr. John Van Dyke, NSAM command chaplain as he began the session. "As our jumping off point, we'll examine the 1998 International Freedom of Religion Act and its role in the world."

Naval War College Monterey Associate Professor Dr. Dayne Nix, a retired Navy chaplain with a continuing interest in the intersection of religion and security affairs, began the discussion by suggesting religious freedom is under more attack today than it has ever been in recent history.

"Instead of having more religious freedom around the world, there is actually less and less," Nix said. "The restrictions go from requiring religious individuals and groups to register with the government, all the way to extremely brutal acts against religious groups and individuals."

Acts of violence based on religious choice are occurring both internationally and nationally, Nix noted. United States embassies around the globe monitor violations in accordance with the 1998 International Freedom of Religion Act. It's within the borders of the U.S. that causes concern for NPS Associate Professor of National Security Affairs, Dr. Anne Marie Baylouny.

"Religious discrimination has always existed. Overt statements by elites allowing this, and verifying it, giving substance to it, has changed the situation. Just in the last few months we've seen an increase in acts against minority religions," Baylouny said.

According to Baylouny, religious freedom promotes stability the same reason democracy promotes stability – by allowing people legitimate channels to express themselves that are considered fundamentally just. She added withdrawing religious freedoms of one minority religion leads to discrimination of other minority religions.

"Because history has shown them, once you get one, you're coming for the next. It's a slippery slope as soon as you register individuals based on their religion, or say that legally we can judge whether they can take a job in the United States or not, based on their religion. Essentially it would give permission for discrimination," Baylouny added.

Noting the military is one of the most progressive and diverse institutions in the country, Baylouny pointed out the implications of withdrawing religious freedom and national security.

"The military allows and accommodates all religious groups for its own institutional well-being. You have to have good people. Lack of religious freedom could spiral out of control to threaten the actual fabric of the country," Baylouny theorized.

The next chapter in the Ministries Department's brown bag series will be announced in November.