https://www.toddstarnes.com/sh...r-atheists-complain/

The Pentagon has directed one of the nation’s largest churches to remove insignia representing the branches of the military from an upcoming freedom celebration after an atheist group complained.

The First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas was planning to honor members of the military during a special June 25 worship service called, “Freedom Sunday.”

“Freedom Sunday is a celebration of both our freedoms as Americans and the freedoms we as Christians have through faith in Christ,” said First Baptist senior pastor Robert Jeffress.

The annual event has caused outrage among atheists and city leaders because of the title of the pastor’s sermon: “America is a Christian Nation.”

The church’s advertisement was removed from billboards after complaints were raised by a Dallas Morning News columnist that the pastor’s message was hateful and divisive.

“The message will present the historical evidence for the bedrock of faith upon which America was founded,” said Jeffress, who also serves as a spiritual advisor to President Trump.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation jumped into the controversy by objecting to the church’s use of the official seals of the branches of the U.S. military.

MRFF President Mikey Weinstein wrote in a letter to the Pentagon that the church’s program was “repulsive” and use of the seals was a violation of military policy.

“It is imperative that First Baptist Dallas be stopped from associating Robert Jeffress’ divisive, prejudiced, and bigoted version of fundamentalist Christian supremacy, domination and exclusivity directly with the U.S. Armed Forces,” Weinstein wrote.

The Pentagon agreed and sent a letter asking the church to remove the military graphics from the program.

“We are concerned that use of the DoD Component marks creates an appearance of endorsement and or affiliation with your church’s Freedom Sunday, when that is not the case,” a Pentagon official wrote to Jeffress. “Federal regulations prohibit the use of official military markings in ways that imply endorsement of a commercial entity or activity.”

The Pentagon also said the church had unknowingly violated trademark licensing laws.

“Because your church has apparently used these seals in the past, we presume you are unaware that the DoD and the Military Service seals, along with many other military insignia, are protected by law from unauthorized use and may only be used for official purposes,” the Pentagon official wrote.

“We understand your goal is to recognize the men and women in the military,” the Pentagon official wrote. “Therefore, recommend the continued use of the phrase ‘Salute to our U.S. Armed Forces’ without the military marks.”

Ironically, First Baptist Dallas used the same military graphics during a performance for President Trump at the Kennedy Center. The Pentagon did not object to that usage.

Nevertheless, Jeffress said the church will comply with the Pentagon’s demand letter.

“We have no animus towards the Defense Department,” he said. “We are still honoring the military and I am still preaching the same sermon.”

Every day another reason to trot out the phrase "Kiss my ass!".

If the city required the billboards be taken down, then that is clearly a 1A violation.

Just who in hell in the pentagon decided to interfere with this church's operations?

Whoever it was needs to be summarily fired or BCD's out of the service.

Some athiest complains about a church service and the pentagon gets involved?

Where is Para's comet? It is overdue.

[n]or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...

The Church should tell the Pentagon to go fuck themselves.

I thought the whole idea of being religious was NOT being an atheist...why in the world would any church comply with the wishes of people that are at odds with their core beliefs?

And the pentagon just open-hand-slapped a sizable portion of its own military men and women for what it sees as “political correctness.”

I’m not a religious person, but a carefully crafted form of “fuck you” seems in order.

I'm really starting to get tired of the vocal minority pitching a hissy fit and getting their way all the time

quote:

From the original post:

“Federal regulations prohibit the use of official military markings in ways that imply endorsement of a commercial entity or activity.”

Since when is a church service a "commercial activity?"

Church should tell Pentagon to go pee on a 'lectric fence.

Freedom of religion was never intended to be freedom from religion.

Here in UK every church I have even been into, from the most humble village church a thousand years old to the great cathedrals that grace the landscape, has proudly displayed its military association in the form of regimental colours, military banners, and rolls of honour - even windows - commemorating the dead of the locality in battles from the thirteenth century to the present day. Indeed, there are hundreds, if not thousands of churchmen who have served in the Armed Forces, and proudly wear their medals at the Remembrance Day services.

You might try and take these fading banners away, but I'm betting you wouldn't get very far, and no government organisation of ANY kind could order a church to remove them.

tac

The Constitution says "freedom of religion", not "freedom from religion" ...

Do what is right and stop worrying about making everyone happy. The Bill of Rights, like the 10 Commandments, is not a list of suggestions.

There are multiple seals for each branch of the service. The official seal can only be used with permission. I found this out because I rarely see the official Army seal used on clothing and other commercial products, and I did some research. I don't know what seal was being used and if the DOD can restrict use of the unofficial ones.

And there is no guarantee anywhere in US law of "freedom from being offended".

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
The Constitution says "freedom of religion", not "freedom from religion" ...