Controversy has abounded after an
Air Force base in South Carolina removed a nativity scene on Friday
following complaints that it violated both the U.S. Constitution and
military code.
The debate is still unfolding at Shaw
Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C., after the Military Religious Freedom
Foundation, a church-state separatist group, contacted the Pentagon to
voice concerns this month over the nativity display.
The organization’s president, Mikey
Weinsten, said that 41 airmen complained to the group about the presence
of the nativity and so the Military Religious Freedom Foundation
contacted the Pentagon and the Christmas display was inevitably removed
from the premises, WLTX-TV reported.
The church-state group said on its website that the display
“was very sectarian in nature and a direct violation of the US
Constitution as well as a blatant violation of Air Force Instruction 1-1
Section 2.11.”
Weinstein said that it took only two
hours and 15 minuted for the Pentagon to ensure that the nativity was
removed after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation’s initial
complaint. A full time line of events is presented on the organization’s website.
“This becomes an issue of command
endorsement of Christianity particularly since it was right next to the
Christmas tree, there was a Christmas lighting that was just about to
happen,” Weinstein told WLTX-TV. “We commended the Air Force for how quickly they moved after we contacted them at the Pentagon.”
But local military veteran John Sammons believes that the removal was unwarranted.
“I don’t know where a plastic baby
Jesus could cause such emotional distress on somebody that they would
want to get involved with the military freedom folks and then have that
removed,” he told WLTX-TV.
Sammons added, “Many have died overseas today for the right for your religious freedom and it breaks my heart.”
Others have taken to Shaw Air Force Base’s Facebook page to voice their frustration over the development.
“If they claim that 1-1 2.11 was
violated, what about 2.12?,” wrote one user identified as “Chris For
Liberty.” “Free Exercise of Religion and Religious Accommodation.
Supporting the right of free exercise of religion relates directly to
the Air Force core values and the ability to maintain an effective
team.”
Another called the removal a “shame” and said that “Christmas is Christ.”
The base is apparently looking for a more inclusive display, but has not yet decided on one.
(H/T: WLTX-TV)
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