H.R. 3163 — Military Chaplains Act of 2025

This section states congressional findings recognizing the historical importance of religion and religious liberty in U.S. society, culture, military service, and democratic governance; citing examples from George Washington, John Adams, the Continental Congress, and Franklin D. Roosevelt; quoting the First Amendment; referencing Supreme Court decisions in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022) and Parker v. Levy (1974); and noting the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.) to all federal law.

This section establishes duties for the Army Chief of Chaplains and the Army Chaplaincy under 10 U.S.C. §7073 by adding new subsections (c) and (d). Specifically, it (1) requires the Chief of Chaplains to advise the Secretary of the Army; and (2) directs the Army Chaplaincy—overseen by the Office of the Chief of Chaplains—to (A) advise and assist commanders on providing free exercise of religion pursuant to the First Amendment, 42 U.S.C. §2000bb-1, and related laws; (B) serve as principal advisers on religious practices, spiritual readiness, and religion's influence on operations; (C) assist in managing religious affairs and developing related policies; (D) oversee education and training on accommodating religious practices; (E) provide guidance to religious-endorsing organizations on chaplain candidates; (F) evaluate religious accommodation requests and advise on approval or denial; and (G) assist commanders with crisis and suicide prevention. This section revises 10 U.S.C. §7217 to specify duties, responsibilities, requirements, and protections for Army chaplains, including meeting spiritual needs of service members and dependents; advising on religious accommodations, spiritual readiness, morals, ethics, morale, and religion's operational impacts; conducting ministry activities consistent with endorsers' tenets; facilitating needs of those outside their faith; and maintaining confidentiality. It provides protections ensuring chaplains perform duties consistent with their beliefs without censorship, restriction, or retaliation (including adverse personnel actions); prohibits assigning contrary tasks; requires commanding officers to furnish facilities and transportation; and defines "adverse personnel action."