Six Virginia State Police chaplains resign over new prayer rules.
Posted by Carlos C. on Friday, September 26th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Gov. Tim Kaine (VA-D) and Col. W. Steven Flaherty
Six of the 17 chaplains for the Virginia State Police force have resigned because of new restrictions on prayer.
Earlier this month Col. W. Steven Flaherty, the state police superintendent, asked chaplains to offer only non-denominational prayers for public events and ceremonies.
One trooper was left with the impression that mentioning the name of Jesus was not allowed - a claim police spokeswoman Corinne Geller denies.
“There was no written directive nor were chaplains specifically told in their meetings with the executive staff and colonel that they could not use ‘Jesus Christ’ in their prayer,” Geller said.
Flaherty said that the new rule does not apply to private ceremonies or individual counseling.
Still, many found that complying with the new directive would violate their conscience.
“There were several of us who felt that because of our convictions. about what the Bible says, we couldn’t agree to go along with a generic prayer policy,” said 13-year trooper Rex Carter, who works in Southwest Virginia.
Republican lawmakers in the state concurred, arguing that the new restrictions are a violation of the First Amendment and an attack on Christianity.
“For those of us who understand the importance of religion in American life and value the free expression of religion as one of our essential rights, the Kaine administration’s directive is disappointing and disheartening,” House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, said.
“Censoring what these chaplains can say is a violation of their First Amendment right to freedom of expression,” Del. Charles W. Carrico Sr., said.
The former state trooper is currently putting together an online petition to get the police department to rescind the new rule.
The state chaplain program, created in 1979, was designed to minister to department employees and grieving loved ones.
Virginia’s governor, Democrat Tim Kaine, supports this new rule. So, a program started nearly 30 years ago, with all the intent and purpose to be a peaceful, loving, kind, and nurturing program for the Virginia state police, is now vilified by Democrats? Liberal Democrats, what is wrong with all of you? Why must liberals always chastise Christianity? Liberals act as if these chaplains are trying to convert the masses!
How about banning Allah from public prayer? Do you liberals in Virginia have the balls to do that? What is the purpose of a non-denominational prayer, anyways? Political correctness Inclusiveness? Is there even such a prayer? Please quit the hippie crap, please.
The next thing to be banned from non-denominational prayer will be any reference to G-d.
Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin
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Filed Under: News & Politics
September 26th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Because the name of Jesus is powerful, my friend. No one but Achmed the Dead Terrorist says “Allah Dammit”. No one says, “Oh my Buddha”, or when alarmed by something ejects, “Muhammed!” It is always Jesus.
Liberals despise being reminded of the Man who stood against everything liberals hold dear. Right down to honoring their government leaders, in spite of everything. They hate to be reminded of the Man who holds all of mankind to a high standard and will one day call into account every idle word, every thought, and every action. If you were a liberal, wouldn’t that scare you too?
That is why the world over is beginning to villify Jesus and the Christians who honor him.
September 26th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I could not have said it better myself Lonestar.
As a southern baptist conservative
May He bless you and may His blessings pour out upon you as the love of our Lord Jesus the Christ smiles down upon you.
September 27th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Jesus is a “rock of offense” (1 Peter 2:8). He said, “No man comes to the Father but by Me.” Then He died for man’s sins and now waits for us to accept His eternal redemption…waits with open arms.
September 27th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Time to recall Kaine and any other Democrats who support this cockamamie policy.