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Video by Spc. Tyler Brock

Religious Diversity

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

March 4, 2022 | 3:15

“We've always been there to provide for the religious freedom of Soldiers since 1775, and we continue to do that same mission” said Capt. Timothy Baranoski, chaplain, assigned to 1st Striker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. This video package shows how the U.S. Army provides for its Soldiers and helps cultivate an environment of religious diversity.

Transcript:

00:00:00:12 - 00:00:15:13
Pfc Khady Ndyai
So I was born and raised in Senegal. But then later on, my family came to the United States. My culture and everything are related and based in Islam, religion and culture.

00:00:15:13 - 00:00:25:28
Spc William Casados
So I was actually raised Roman Catholic originally. As I grew up, I started learning more about my family's history. My ancestors were Vikings.

00:00:25:28 - 00:00:42:24
1st Lt Richard Iwuagwu
I am the son of a Nigerian father and Dominican mother. So I was born from diversity molded by it, you could say.

00:00:42:24 - 00:01:10:27
Capt. Timothy Baranoski
The United States is considered a melting pot. So we have all these traditions, cultures, beliefs. It's become part of who we are. But at the same time, a lot of those pieces are separate. Somebody else's beliefs are completely different from my beliefs, but that's okay. And I think the religious diversity piece is also honoring those differences. Celebrating those differences, respecting those differences exactly as I would honor, celebrate, and respect my own beliefs.

00:01:10:27 - 00:01:21:19
1st Lt Richard Iwuagwu
I think it's super important that soldiers feel like they have the freedom. They're not going to be pressured, you know, from their leadership or anyone to believe a certain worldview.

00:01:21:19 - 00:01:34:00
Spc William Casados
The people in my religion, they're allowing us to have a exception to policy for our beared growth and like other religions, they're allowing like turban. As long as you have definitive proof that is truly your religion.

00:01:34:00 - 00:01:46:06
1st Lt Richard Iwuagwu
Even if a soldier is of a different faith and the chaplains, the chaplains are prepared and they will go the extra mile to accommodate and find services for four soldiers to attend.

00:01:46:06 - 00:02:08:20
Capt. Timothy Baranoski
When I am not performing my Sunday service, my focus is then on ensuring that everybody has the opportunity to practice their faith in the manner that they want to practice their faith. So again, it's going back to that honoring, celebrating and respecting the religious diversity piece. And part of that is just making sure that if a soldier has a special service that week, that there is an opportunity for them to attend that special service.

00:02:08:20 - 00:02:17:08
1st Lt Richard Iwuagwu
I attend Agape Carson that's the chapel service I attend on Saturdays actually right here. In the Soldiers Memorial Chapel.

00:02:17:08 - 00:02:40:16
Capt. Timothy Baranoski
If you go to the Chapel Corps Museum at Fort Jackson, there is a copy of George Washington's letter to the Continental Congress requesting the establishment of the Chaplain Corps. So we have been part of the Army since the very beginning. Our purpose has never really changed. We've always been there to provide for the religious freedom of soldiers since 1775, and we continue to do that same mission.

00:02:40:21 - 00:02:54:20
Pfc Khady Ndyai
Honestly, I've never have any issues since I joined the Army. I was able to do my basic training with my hijab on. As you can see, I still I'm still wearing it. In here in my unit. Also, my and here are really understandable