NVC -- Dr. Jason Heap, "Just Go Chat With the Chaplain ...."

Dr. Jason Heap will talk about the current status of challenges facing non-theistic members of the armed services. He'll bring along some of the Department of Defense's regulations, some statistical data, and some real-life stories of current service members who are having to cope with the inconsistent application of policies when it comes to the 'free exercise' of religion in the military.

Jase (Jason) is the current applicant to become the first Humanist Chaplain in the history of the United States armed forces. After being away from America for nearly 15 years, he has recently returned to serve as the Executive Director for the United Coalition of Reason, based in Washington, DC. Through his work with UnitedCoR, Jase nurtures almost 80 local Coalitions of Reason, in addition to supporting over 800 cooperating and affiliated groups within these local coalitions.

Jase took double majors in philosophy and practical theology at Howard Payne University before attending Brite Divinity School (Texas Christian University) for an MDiv. He then studied for an additional Master's in history and religion at The University of Oxford before completing further post-graduate certification from Sheffield Hallam University that allowed him to teach in the UK's state-maintained schools. Among the 9 subjects that Jase teaches, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and personal/social/health education have been his favorites. After working in the UK schools for 5 years, Jase went on to give 6 years of experience as the Headteacher (the UK equivalent of a “Teaching Co-Principal” in the US) of UK-curriculum "international" schools, and throughout his work, he has lived in and visited nearly 40 countries. He has recently completed a Doctor of Education in administrator leadership and his dissertation focused on empowering non-Western grassroots schools and teachers.

Jase is a Humanist celebrant, a regular contributor to TheHumanist.Com, and gives regular volunteer time to chaplaincy work with student organizations at major American and British universities.

This meeting is hosted by Humanists of UUCF and will be in the large meeting room in the Program Building at UUCF. All are welcome.