Dec 14, 2011
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The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has threatened to sue Travis Air Force Base unless they remove or relocate a Nativity scene and a Menorah currently on display on a major thoroughfare at the military installation.
Travis AFB Nativity - photo by MRFF
“This conspicuous display of ritual objects is a clear endorsement of religion in violation of the Establishment clause of the First Amendment, and must either be removed from the premises or moved to a more appropriate location on the Air Force Base to ensure compliance with the United States Constitution,” wrote attorney Katherine Ritchey on behalf of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
A spokesman for Travis AFB told Fox News & Commentary that they had received the letter and have turned it over to legal counsel. For now, they said, the Nativity Scene and Menorah remain on display.
The Nativity features figures representing the baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men. Adjacent to the Nativity is the Menorah.
“There is no doubt that a reasonable person, upon viewing these two religious symbols, would believe that they convey anything but a religious message,” Ritchey wrote.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation accused the Air Force of endorsing ‘rituals and beliefs associated with that faith.”
The MRFF said they received a letter from an anonymous airman complaining about the holiday decorations and what he called the “tyranny of the majority.”
“The presence of these clearly religious displays on the main corner of the base deeply concerns me. I am not alone in my feelings of distress,” the anonymous airman wrote. “I know many other people are similarly offended and confused.”
“I joined the military to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, not to spread the gospel,” the airman added. “I fear that the religious symbols so prominently displayed on my Air Force Base convey a different message.”
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, blasted the threat and called it “yet another flyby-attack on Christianity.”
“No one is forced to stand in front of the Nativity, and salute it, but people in this country should have the right to celebrate Christmas and what it means,” Perkins told Fox News & Commentary.
Travis AFB Menorah - photo by MRFF
Perkins cited a Gallup poll that suggested more than 95 percent of the nation celebrate Christmas – and a Pew Research poll that indicated 78 percent of Americans identify as Christian.
“Increasingly, people are saying it is time to stop the bombardment of our religious freedom by this zealous. Minority,” Perkins said.
Unless the displays are immediately removed, the MRFF threatened to take legal action.
Editor’s note: A previously published version of this story included the headline “Atheists Declare War on Travis AFB.” We have since updated the headline and clarified points in the article to reflect the same.
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A new group is being formed to cleanse the military of all atheist references and symbols. And then show America that the Constitution actually provides for freedom OF religion in the public square and sector, not freedom FROM religion. Some day we will get a court who is courageous enough to right this terrible wrong and let people of all faiths be able to live and share their faith in schools, in government, in courts, at work as well as at home without fear and not force all Americans to adopt the atheist religion as the "state' religion. Freedom is precious, particularly religious freedom. And our Courts should be protecting that right, not throwing it out.
I bet this "airman" expects to have Christmas day off. What hypocritical dribble.
Maybe this anti religion group should press the issue harder and get rid of the base chapel and the military chaplain corps. Of course, the chaplain also assists in suicide prevention, marriage counselor, comforts the spouse of a deployed member and so on but what the heck, what's a broken marriage or dead airman as long as the non denominational building and occupants are eradicated?
I thought part of the philosophy of Christ was to teach us how we should care for each other. I don't see how that makes Christianity silly. As a matter of fact, Jay Shepherd, it probably wouldn't hurt you to read the teachings of Christ. Or are you afraid it might change you? For what shall it profit a man, if he will gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? If you feel this is all there is and there is nothing beyond this physical existence, then you go for it. I have a greater hope.
The display is not there to tell people that they are wrong if they do not celebrate Christmas! This religious freedom foundation is completely backwards! If they want religious freedom in this world, They need to let us celebrate our holidays and stop letting People who feel diffErently stop us from enjoying our traditions and our worship!
The display is not there to tell people that they are wrong if they do not celebrate Christmas! This religious freedom foundation is completely backwards! If they want religious freedom in this world, They need to let us celebrate our holidays and stop letting People who feel diffErently stop us from enjoying our traditions and our worship!
The display is not there to tell people that they are wrong if they do not celebrate Christmas! This religious freedom foundation is completely backwards! If they want religious freedom in this world, They need to let us celebrate our holidays and stop letting People who feel diffErently stop us from enjoying our traditions and our worship!
Again I'm confused. Actually I'm even more confused than normal by these boneheads. What religion are they endorsing?
Thanks for keeping Christ and CHRISTmas in the news. I'm sure there is a special place in hell for the likes of Katherine Ritchey and the cry-baby airman. Hope he refuses any time off over the holiday as well as any yummy food at the workplace CHRISTmas party.
Civilians that do not serve the military, active-duty, or live on base– should be allowed to dictate what WE [the armed forces, veteran, military serving active-duty personnel] decide how to display CHRISTMAS decorations!
No one is forcing them to believe in CHRISTmas–so they can just be the ones that work on that day because that is just a regular day to them–They should not beable to enjoy the day at all.
Equal time is fair. The atheist display is right next to it, can't you see it? It's "nothing" created from "nothing", isn't it beautiful? :-p
“America is like a healthy body and its resistance is threefold: its patriotism, its morality and its spiritual life. If we can undermine these three areas, America will collapse from within.” Joseph Stalin.
The way around the Establishment Clause, which is the favorite argument of these atheist organizations, is to display not only a Nativity scene, but to display a wide variety of religious symbols from the various religions that are freely practiced here in America. By using this tactic none of the religions can be construed as being established by the state as they are all given equal expression.
Do you really think these "symbols" are worth this division. Do you really think the Lord cares about "crosses" on buildings when it divides people like this? The way I read it in my Bible, I have no special "rights" on this earth. His Kingdom is not of this world. I have amazing privleges here in the USA as a Christian. I can worship corporately with other believers. I can study His Word…and the list goes on. The Almighty was pretty clear when He stated no "carved image" and yet here we are warring over a silly symbol. Love the ending scene in the "Grinch" when EVERYTHING is stripped away from the towns people, they don't holler nor complain, or have a hissy fit, they come together and "worship" (sorta). Let us love one another as Christ loved us while we were yet sinners. When was the last time you loved on an atheist? We are salt and light. Salt is tasted and light is seen. Not heard.
I'm sorry, I have to comment on this. According to Jay Shepherd "…you can worship any way you want, just not on government property." WTH? Are you serious? Let's see: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Could someone please point out to me where it says I can not worship on government property? If so, would you also be so kind to go to every single Indian Reservation, and tell the Native Americans that THEY are violating the Constitution? If you're going to try and make a point, quit basing it on idiocy. Base it on facts.
Ok then sanitize the entire base…..No trick or treating, no nothing……would that make "anonymous" happy? Maybe serving as an airmen should relate to defending the constitution. One nation, under God….. If others spent more time doing something productive as an airmen or a thoughtful person then they would not have free time to attack something that means nothing to them anyways.
Could not agree with you more!!! It is a shame that someone could really take something so meaningful to so many as a personal threat.
If you care so much about your religions freedom, then why are you annonymous? Look the other way…this is absolute crap! Leave the menorah and the nativity scene up!
Why do the non-religious seem to have more rights when it comes to avoiding religious expressions than those who wish to express their religion freely? Isn't the freedom of religion meant to be applied equally to all citizens?
That is crazy! Stupid people!!
Who cares if it affends you.If you don't like it don't look at it!
So, let's recap. We learned that "Jay" is a miserable homosexual that wears a hairpiece. He does not want a nativity scene, because it does not include two men standing over baby Jesus. Jay, my past suggestions still stand. Goodbye Jay and good luck to you and your beau. Also, there are better places to purchase a hair piece that look a little more realistic.
personally about to go stand out there and defend not only my faith but others faith as well. isn't that what we fight for? the right to have diffrent faiths and the right to display them? if they don't like it they should go to a country where your faith, and how u show that faith is already dictated for you. this is AMERICA, based on religion and freedom to express it.
Amen!
Amen!
The person who started this is a new airman stationed at Travis. It is really sad one of our own would do this. To be completely honest, this dude will probably not last long in the air force, probably doesn't have many friends or support, and will find a way to get kicked out.
Jay Shepherd (or is it Gay Shepherd?), Anyways why does it matter that it is shown on Government property? Are you in a Gov. job? If you are I would suggest that you should just leave it be, I mean, just look at all of these Christians commenting, can you take the heat? I think you are making YOUR creator very upset. Your Judgement will come, so will mine, and everyone else's.
I can't believe this isn't there bigger more pressing issues in the world! And if you don't celebrate Christmas that's fine but it is Christmas and people at this base and all over the world are celebrating! Don't like it don't look at it! I thought we were dealing with adults here! So how are we supposed to teach our children tolerance and the value of religious freedom when they see people this up set about decorations. No one is being hurt leave it alone!
Atheists prove that God exists…..because they are against Him! That means that there has to be God existing so that they can believe that He doesn't exist……
Give the MRFF a blank sheet so they can show the world what their beliefs are! They probably wouldn't accept that because some may may view a blank sign as a symbol of their intelligence.
What amendment to what constitution is this 'Katherine Ritchey' talking about? Last time I read the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution I found the First Amendment to read: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Sounds to me like the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees me the right to my personal beliefs.
Last time I looked the U.S. Congress had not passed any laws establishing a religion nor had it prohibited the free exercise thereof; though there is plenty of evidence to even the most dense minded that there has been a plethora of attempts by pin-heads to 'prohibit the free exercise (thereof) religion – especially christianity and Judaism.
Regarding the accusation of the U.S. Military (US Air Force) endorsing 'the rituals and beliefs associated with that faith' – WHAT faith? This accusation is totally ridiculous and without merit. No where will one find as much respect and deference to an individual's personal beliefs then within the U.S. Military.
And exactly whose military and what religious freedom is this so-called 'Military Religious Freedom Foundation' talking about? Who are they? Or rather what are they? If anything, one would believe an organization calling itself the'Military Religious Freedom Foundation' would support and encourage such joint displays of diverse beliefs as a Nativity scene next to a Menorah.
As far as this 'letter' from an "anonymous Airman" is concerned – Balderdash! All U.S. Military have a chain of command and well defined procedures and protocols. IF there really is this 'anonymous Airman' – and IF he or she were to have any concerns or questions in the future I would strongly encourage their utilization of appropriate procedures. Your protection against retribution, prompt addressing of your issue and valid response is guaranteed and protected. I'd bet a cup of coffee against a month's wages that this "anonymous Airman" never went through their first line supervisor or unit.
Dear 'Katherine Ritchey' and "anonymous Airman": You can believe what you want to believe. No problem. Your want me to respect your beliefs or lack thereof? No problem. I spent over 30-plus years in the military to make sure you have those rights in addition to others.
But your making me change my beliefs just because they're different from yours? Not going to happen.
They are going to take legal actions… Against who? The Air Force haha that's rich.
If there was a sign posted on the airbase that stated, "No Gods, no masters", than would Todd Starnes defend this banner? Um, of course not. Would the religious right defend this banner? No. In fact, probably no atheist in America would defend that banner. Simpnly because atheitsts understand that the government isn't a an extension of their beliefs on religion. Government neutrality isn't an attack, any idea that it is, is simple nonsense. Shame on you Mr. Starnes.
Faith cannot be destroyed by any atheists no matter how hard they try. They fear God, and so they make a feeble attempt to destroy any symbols of religion. Show them PITY because they are pitiful and thrive on stupidity.
Faith cannot be destroyed by any atheists no matter how hard they try. They fear God, and so they make a feeble attempt to destroy any symbols of religion. Show them PITY because they are pitiful and thrive on stupidity.
I am a military brat— my dad died serving and my stepfather retired as a Sgt Maj. The people stirring this pot SOOOOO misrepresent the military culture. I am ashamed and offended by them. I wonder how many years they have spent serving. The military culture for those who live the life as a way of life is about tolerance. We can not only respect differences but we celebrate our differences as well. This flippin' whiny ass needs to get behind a cause more meaningful. If you don't believe post an atheist symbol out there as well. We don't care. That's what FREEDOM is about. I not even a church goer!
I lived at Travis for 9 years. The display has been there as long as I was there. Personally I could careless. The airmen just want to start shit because he or she got told to grow up. How is the complaint about that when there are trees decorated as well. Where the display is at is at the front of base and you see it maybe 5 – 10 minutes depending on the traffic lights. It is a tradition there and if anything should've removed it is the ugly light on the palm tree because they are on the bottom only. I still have friend there and they are all annoyed with this stupid issue. No one forces you to see the display and convert to the religion.
Yes I am annoyed with this. Don't look at it if you don't like it.
I used to live next door to Christina Vandenbrock for 6 years. As I recall, during the holidays there were several displays of both secular & religious decorations at the front of the base & leading down the road towards the flight line. Generally I would disagree with a religious display (such as a nativity or a menorah) that is displayed by itself because of the separation of church & state. However, if the display includes multiple faiths as well as displays of Santa, snowmen, etc… then there really isn't any violation of anyones Constitutional rights going on and no endorsement of one particular religion going on.
I'm Pagan and was an active member of Travis Circle on base for several years, the base Chaplaincy & residents, in my experience, were very open and tolerant of all religious faiths and those who were not religious.
I used to live next door to Christina Vandenbrock for 6 years. As I recall, during the holidays there were several displays of both secular & religious decorations at the front of the base & leading down the road towards the flight line. Generally I would disagree with a religious display (such as a nativity or a menorah) that is displayed by itself because of the separation of church & state. However, if the display includes multiple faiths as well as displays of Santa, snowmen, etc… then there really isn't any violation of anyones Constitutional rights going on and no endorsement of one particular religion going on.
I'm Pagan and was an active member of Travis Circle on base for several years, the base Chaplaincy & residents, in my experience, were very open and tolerant of all religious faiths and those who were not religious.
I used to live next door to Christina Vandenbrock for 6 years. As I recall, during the holidays there were several displays of both secular & religious decorations at the front of the base & leading down the road towards the flight line. Generally I would disagree with a religious display (such as a nativity or a menorah) that is displayed by itself because of the separation of church & state. However, if the display includes multiple faiths as well as displays of Santa, snowmen, etc… then there really isn't any violation of anyones Constitutional rights going on and no endorsement of one particular religion going on.
I'm Pagan and was an active member of Travis Circle on base for several years, the base Chaplaincy & residents, in my experience, were very open and tolerant of all religious faiths and those who were not religious.
I agree with others..if you don't like them, don't look at them. There used to be a larger nativity scene on the base. It's not like the displays are all that big now anyway. I'm not quite understanding what the airman was so confused about or why he was so distressed. What if I said that the Santa Clause in the display next to the nativity scene offended me. It's not like they would take that down. And how is displaying something that has represented the holiday season for so long an attempt to spread the gospel? It's not like Mary and Joseph are sitting there yelling out bible verses. The airman should let us have our small nativity display there among the other holiday displays and he/she can go worry about continuuing to support and defend our constitition by doing their job and not worrying about small things like this.
in my honet opinion I think the only reason it bothers them is because they know they are WRONG!
Why is this news? The nativity scene is against the law. That's the end of it. If you don't like the law change it. But at the moment, they are breaking the law. What is it about this you don't understand?
It's time for these people to live somewhere else.
ThaT's crap we have the right just as much as those who claim there offended!
ThaT's crap we have the right just as much as those who claim there offended!
Why should we alteR our beliefs to pls u if u don't like it don't look at it bc it's obviously not for just u!
Why should we alteR our beliefs to pls u if u don't like it don't look at it bc it's obviously not for just u!
Why don't all of you who are offended come forward. Anonymous airman you have a job to do, which is defending my freedom, so do your job and get a hobby to keep you occupied. This country is free and our forefathers believed in everything that was good. It is people like you that have brought it down to what it is. Why don't you move to another country were you can't complaint about anything, may then you will learn what it is to be free. GOD BLESS YOU.
It is sad but true. There will always be those who denounce God. However, as Believers we must standard in the gap for ALL of the non-believers regardless of how many there are & pray for them to receive/accept God as we have. #praying for those that are lost to be found.
They are runnin out…like really…
What about the our pledge? One nation, under God… "? America needs to stand up n stop those type of useless people now…
To the Airman that took the time to write and report such a beautiful cheerful display of the Holidays, I am terribly sorry that your heart is filled with such devilish hate for our Lord and all that he represents. I said a prayer for you last night and this morning that..like the Grinches heart..yours too will melt. It is a FREEDOM in what anyone or any installation chooses. Travis itself is a very religious base, and the display you are crying bout is one my family looked forward to every year we were there. The Airman that work hard on the "Christmas Cards" deserve a pat on the back for such creativity in spreading the Meaning of Christmas and wishing everyone a very Blessed Holiday! Shame on you, may your have a beautifully wonderfully BLESSED MERRY CHRISTMAS!
God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so whosoever shall perish shall have everlasting life. I believe in a loving God. The Nativity Scene is nothing but love. Love inspires tolerance. Peace and love calms the soul. If your soul is in turmoil, seek out your God, or go to your quiet place to search yourself for peace and harmony within your own life. Love one another… especially where you have to live peacefully together within the same community. Live and let live and be happy… after all, this is America, Land of the Free.
Much like what is happening at Travis, the furor over the Nativity in Athens, TX has much in common with a book and film about to be released. The fictionalized events take place in a nearby TX town.
http://cindynavarro.blogspot.com/2011/12/democratic-senator-burns-nativity.html?spref=fb
You know, Atheists, Jesus hung on the cross for you too! He loves you with an everlasting love and died for you as well as everyone. Please research Him for yourself….I am praying that every Atheist out there that reads this will be saved! Hey, come on every Christian out there, lets pray for these people who are blinded to what God has for them. No Hate talk….just in love, pray for them! Love you all! "In Jesus' name we claim these souls for your kingdom!"
Wasnt the united states..that coward..ahem..sorry..anonymous airman..signed up to protect founded on religious beliefts? Isn't part of that constitution freedom of religion? If its not your cup of tea then just move-along..why ruin the holiday and what it really means for others?
Noticed he is strong enough to stand up for something but too coward to sign his name to it. Grow up and grow a pair or shut the heck up. I would have more respect for the guy if he wasn't hiding.