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Air Force Rule May Ban Christian Prayer
If, indeed, "there are no atheists in foxholes,” a new Air Force regulation may ensure that there is no Christian prayer there either. Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) is circulating a letter he sent to President George W. Bush, which alleges a new Air Force guideline urging "non-sectarian” prayer is "merely a euphemism declaring that prayers will be acceptable so long as they censor Christian beliefs.” The letter requests Bush to sign an executive order withdrawing the new regulation. Thus far, Rep. Jones has only gathered 32 signatures. He says more are to come. The Air Force regulation was authored by Arnold Ressnicoff, a retired U.S. Navy chaplain, who was hired by the Air Force in June following accusations that evangelical Christians at the Air Force Academy were imposing their faith on other cadets. There were also charges of rampant anti-Semitism and religious harassment. Air Force spokesperson Jennifer Stephens says the Air Force appreciates Rep. Jones’ concern. "We sincerely appreciate the interest in the Air Force’s guidelines on religious respect,” she told NewsMax. "The Air Force believes in equality of all its people, regardless of religious preference.”
Story Continues Below Signers of the Jones letter are concerned the regulation impinges on the First Amendment rights of Air Force chaplains. The letter states, "We are disappointed and gravely concerned to learn that the Christian military chaplains are under direct attack and that their right to pray according to their faith is in jeopardy.” Lawmakers worry the Air Force regulation is the first step in a Pentagon-wide muzzling of chaplains. "If approved,” the letter predicts, "those guidelines may well be implemented throughout the entire Department of Defense.” Stephens said the Air Force disputes this charge. "These guidelines are interim,” she claims, "and we are actively seeking comments from numerous sources.” If President Bush does not respond to their request, Rep. Jones says lawmakers are prepared to introduce legislation to repeal the regulation. But, he says it would be better for the president to sign an executive order because the change would be immediate. The White House has yet to comment on the letter.
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