JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
LGBT service members have the same resources and services available to them as the rest of the armed forces.
One important and sometimes overlooked service is the religious and ministry services provided by military chaplains.
Major Countess Cooper, 113th Wing chaplain, provides such a service.
"For the past 16 years, as a minister and musician, I have rendered messages in sermon and song throughout the Washington-Metropolitan area, at the Faith Temple church, as an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ," Cooper said. "One of the oldest churches of its kind, Faith Temple is a historic, non-denominational African-American church with a special ministry to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people."
She is also a traditional guardsman, worked for the US Department of Education for the last 24 years and is the Education Department Affinity Group LGBT and Allied Employees vice-president. She's also on the board of Many Voices: A Black Church Movement in Gay and Transgender Justice.
"I believe spiritual readiness is important for everyone," Cooper said. "When our spirits are enlivened, we accomplish more and are more resilient in difficult situations. On the other hand, when we are silent, hidden or otherwise invisible, which is the experience of many LGBT individuals, it can impact our vibrancy and ability to thrive and connect with others."
Cooper acknowledges the military members and their families, to include LGBT members, who work every day to serve this nation by defending our borders, protecting our ideals and by responding to crises, at home and abroad.
"This Pride month, I am celebrating the faith, service and dedication of LGBT military members who have served throughout this nation's history," Cooper said. "As a military chaplain, I value the role of faith, spirituality and religion in the lives of all service members, regardless of one's religious affiliation. The job of a military chaplain is to support the religious needs of all service members, their families and advise leadership."
She believes that military members are stronger spiritually when they have a strong faith.
"I am pleased that we are a nation that acknowledges God in its highest ideals," Cooper said. "I love the mission of promoting faith in the military as well as the LGBT communities. Our ideals remind us that every military member has the right to pursue liberty and justice, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity."
Cooper's ministry has a stout focus on social justice, with a strong influence by the words of Amos 5:24, "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
She praises the military for addressing and developing policies that support transgender service members as well.
"We have come a long way, but we still have much work to do to promote greater respect, safety and access of LGBT military members," Cooper said. "I encourage LGBT service members everywhere to get connected. Seek out affirming allies and advocates. Above all, trust God and keep the faith."
(This is part three of three of an LGBT Spotlight series.)
Editor's note: Chaplain Cooper was recently promoted to Major and an updated official photo was not available at this time.