Family Foundation backs legislation on State Police, chaplains
-- The Family Foundation says it will back legislation to prohibit the Virginia State Police from denying the right of chaplains to pray in the name of Jesus.
Six voluntary chaplains who worked for the State Police resigned in protest last year when they were stopped from invoking Jesus' name in prayers.
-- Tyler Whitley
Reader Reactions
Pnanlang, There is no CONSTITUTIONAL seperation of church and state or many laws now on the books and many government practices would be BANNED. I am so tired of hearing about seperation of church and state when it only goes one way. The courts have decided on an arbitrary understanding of the constitution that is not there. Don’t try to quote me the amendments because I am looking at it right now. The courts have made the seperation. Let us have true seperation of church and state and quit this use of it only for those fanatics that think this gives them free reign to shut everyody else down. Are you really ready for that??? I don’t think so and neither are the majority of the American People. Either seperate it all or let us have our beliefs. I could go on for days on this issue.
yes if a Buddhist or Muslim applied I am positive they would be accepted. Prove me wrong otherwise.
Here’s what I envision. A meeting of the State Police is in session. You’re required to go. A chaplain steps up to pray. He mentions Jesus, God, etc, etc. A buddhist, muslim, Jew, is in the audience. Why should they have to participate in a prayer that they don’t agree with or believe in?
Simple answer, freedom of religion is also freedom FROM religion. Don’t say Jesus in your prayer.
The chaplains need to be aware, and accepting, that other religions may be at the event through no choice of their own. Therefore, as part of that whole “love thy brother” thing they should respect those people and views.
It’s a simple rule. Why not follow it? Are the State police somehow now a religious organization? They’ve got religious police in various middle eastern countries. Why not here?
Jer1234: “i am sure if a Muslim or Buddhist would volunteer for the program and were accepted then there form of worship would also be respected.“
I doubt that very seriously; some (vocal) people would be having fits!
Which part of “separation of church and state” is so difficult to understand?
If the muslim or buddhist was praying he would want quiet and respect so why can’t he do the same for other religions. The state knew these officers faith when they were allowed to volunteer. i am sure if a Muslim or Buddhist would volunteer for the program and were accepted then there form of worship would also be respected. Why are we always giving in to everybody but those who represent the people they serve. The Chaplins provide a service to the Troopers and their familieson a volunteer basis. If a muslim or budhist family need these services I am sure one would be provided. Let these men perform the duties they volunteered for.
No, the Muslim or Bhuddist could politely leave the room or sit quietly praying to himself - much like a Christian would do at non-Christian events. Easy enough?
If nothing else, we shouldn’t be in the business of (a) allowing a small vocal, ultra-sensitive group of Christophobes to run roughshod over the spiritual needs of our law enforcement officers or soldiers by managing how police chaplains do their job and invoke the name of the Almighty, nor should we be in the business of compelling non-believers to endure spiritual events without providing them a polite, non-judgmental outlet to excuse themselves from such an event.
What if a State Police officer is Muslim or Buddhist? Does he have to pray, or be forced to listen to prayers, in the name of Jesus?
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement