Charlotte Chaplains Resign Over Gay Clergy Member

Six chaplains from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina have resigned from their volunteer positions since August, possibly due to a new gay chaplain, reports The Charlotte Observer.

No official reason was given for the sudden resignations of the CMPD chaplains, but one chaplain, who spoke to the Observer on the condition of anonymity, said the departures are a result of a new chaplain, who is gay, being admitted to the department.

The chaplain said those who resigned felt they had no choice due to their churches' teachings about homosexuality.

"It's very difficult," the chaplain said. "All the chaplains have really developed relationships with the police officers on the beat. Relationships that have been built over the years have stopped."

CMPD chief Rodney Monroe released a letter in which he expressed disappointment that some members decided to leave the program. "I respect the decisions and convictions of those who have decided to resign, as I would never ask anyone to compromise their beliefs," Monroe said. "But I do hope that those of us who remain ... continue to embrace our goal of being an inclusive organization that respects the differences of all of our employees."