For background, read Most Americans Oppose Obama's War on Christianity and also read 'Just War' Ethics Stripped from Air Force Training as well as Air Force Borrows $80000 for Pagan Worship Center plus, read Lawsuit Against Top Military Chaplain for being Too Christian
UPDATE 8/23/13: Lesbian Officer Punishes Airman for Christian Beliefs
UPDATE 6/8/13: Congress vs. Obama's Military Attack on Christians
-- From "GOP lawmakers allege Air Force is ‘hostile toward religion’" by Jeremy Herb, The Hill 06/22/12
The lawmakers outlined several instances where they had problems with Air Force policy, particularly a memo last year from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, which said that “chaplains, not commanders” should notify airmen about chaplains’ religious programs. The lawmakers wrote the memo was “suggesting that the mere mention of these programs is impermissible.”
They also took issue with the suspension of a briefing that discussed Bible references, the changing of a Latin office motto that included God and removing Bibles from Air Force Inn checklists.
They wrote the policy of “complete separation” between church and state is having a “chilling effect” down the chain of command.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Lawmakers claim Air Force culture becoming 'hostile towards religion'" posted at FoxNews.com 6/23/12
The letter from 66 Republican members of Congress referenced a series of cases where they claim the Air Force "succumbed" to demands from outside groups.
Among the incidents:
- A decision to remove a Latin reference to "God" from a logo/motto for the Rapid Capabilities Office"Mr. Secretary, the combination of events mentioned above raises concerns that the Air Force is developing a culture that is hostile towards religion," the lawmakers wrote. They urged Panetta to investigate all the incidents and issue "clear Department of Defense policy guidance."
- A decision to stop requiring staff to check for Bibles in Air Force Inn rooms
- The removal of a document from a distance-learning course for Squadron Officer School that suggested chapel attendance is a sign of strong leadership
- The suspension of an ethics course because the material included Bible passages
The letter was drafted by Reps. Diane Black, R-Tenn.; Randy Forbes, R-Va.; and Todd Akin, R-Mo.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Lawmakers to Panetta: Stop AF attacks on faith" posted at Air Force Times 6/22/12
“When our sons and daughters join the military, they are not signing away their First Amendment right to religious liberty,” the letter states. “Unfortunately it seems that some parts of the military are intent on prohibiting religious expressions rather than protecting it.”
“The Air Force has repeatedly capitulated to demands from groups that seek to remove all traces of faith from the military and the public square. … Those who sacrifice so much for our nation must be assured that they need not leave their faith at home when they volunteer to serve,” Forbes said in a statement.
In the letter, the lawmakers say Schwartz is most responsible for what they say is a continuing pattern of anti-religious bias. They said a Sept. 1, 2011, memo issued by Schwartz imposed a “stringent policy with regards to religion”
Individual moves taken within Air Force circles since Schwartz’s guidance go beyond the requirements of the U.S. Constitution, lawmakers wrote. “The changes lend credence to the notion that the Air Force will remove any references to God or faith that an outside organization brings to its attention.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Bishops Throw Down Gauntlet: Obama War on Christianity as well as Navy Forced to Drop Bible Ban at Walter Reed Hospital
