Nov 23, 2011
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The U.S. Military removed a large cross that had been displayed outside a chapel at Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan because it violated Army regulations.
A Pentagon spokesman confirmed to Fox News that the cross had been taken down – after someone complained.
“Military chapels have to be open to all denominations and as such can’t have permanent symbols of one particular religion or another,” Commander Williams Speaks told Fox News.
He said the cross was erected about a month ago – and when questions were raised the Army unit’s chaplain consulted the rules and “realized that taking it down was the appropriate thing to do.”
The story was first reported in Politico. Camp Marmal is a German base that hosts NATO forces. However, the interfaith chapel is supervised by the U.S. Army, Speaks said.
Soldiers worshipping inside Camp Marmal - photo by Army
Outraged soldiers told the news organization that the cross made the chapel feel like home and others found comfort in the religious symbol.
“I really don’t understand why Christians are always attacked,” one service member told Politico. “If it was a crescent moon on top of a mosque, it would never be taken down.”
However, Speaks said there had been complaints.
“I’ve also heard that there were some that were upset about the cross to begin with,” he told Fox News. “Our job as military service members is to abide by the UCMJ and other regulations to ensure that all religious denominations and religious of our service members are treated fairly.
And that is accomplished by taking down the Christian symbol?
Speaks said it is his understanding that the rule applies not just to that particular camp – but all military chapels.
Dedication of new Camp Marmal Chapel - photo by Army
Army Regulation 165-1, 12-3k states:”The chapel environment will be religiously neutral when the facility is not being used for scheduled worship. Portable religious symbols, icons, or statues may be used within a chapel during times of religious worship.”
“Symbols are to be moved or covered when not in use during services. Distinctive religious symbols, such as crosses, crucifixes, the Star of David, Menorah, and other religious symbols will not be affixed or displayed permanently on the chapel interior, exterior, or grounds. Permanent or fixed chapel furnishings, such as the altar, pulpit, lectern, or communion rail will be devoid of distinctive religious symbols.”
“Not having it there is really upsetting,” one service member told Politico. “I walk by the chapel daily on the way to chow and the gym, and seeing the cross is a daily reminder of my faith and what Jesus accomplished for me. It is daily inspiration and motivation for me to acknowledge my faith and stay on the right path.”
Some conservative leaders said it’s proof of an effort underway to sanitize the military and country of Christianity.
“What’s the purpose of a chapel?” asked Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. “The timing of this – what a way to celebrate Thanksgiving.”
“There’s a sole purpose of a chapel and it’s to worship – whether it’s Catholic or Protestant. Americans who serve in the military are overwhelmingly Christian.”
The chapel was dedicated in September, according to a news release from the Army.
“We have gathered here today to dedicate this chapel to God,” said Maj. Xuan Tran, chaplain, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during dedication ceremonies.
“This chapel will be a center and important place where people can come together to worship and offer sacrifices of praise,” he said.
FOX News Talk
Christine, I am personally insulted as a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ whenever the White House Muslim cloaks himself as a Christian. Nothing could be further from the truth. Look at Reverend Wright, his own "spiritual advisor". That man is inherently evil and like his protoge, the MIC, is a hater of America, Christianity and our free society. Your comments are dilusional and when you hurl insults like "your ignorance is showing", take a good log look in the mirror. People like you disgust me. Happy Thanksgiving
I second that
@Christine: Oh! And black has absolutely nothing to do with it.Whenever a liberal cretin loses an argument, one of two things happens: they hurl personal insults, or take the last ditch nuclear option – throw the tired old race card into the fray. Now finish your granola, put on your Birkenstocks and have fun at your Sierra Club meeting.
light some incense
@Deborah, I would light it, but it makes me sneeze.
Amendment 1: " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEROF, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to PEACEABLY assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." It really is just that simple. Government is not to interfere with the practice of religion. There is nothing in the Constitution that says religion is not to be involved in Government. Jefferson wrote the "Wall of Separation Letter" but worshiped in the Chapel in the Capital while President.
capitol
EVERY TIME!!!!
Our military is run by manchurian technology and tel e medical by the brains. The object is to change the main religion in American from Christian to——.
That is precisely the problem, Margaret.
America used to be a Christian nation until she allowed many religions to come in and defile. But there will come a time when Jesus Christ will come back and set things right. At that time no other religions will remain. He and His church will rule and reign on earth for 1,000 years. Millenium
ALL "7" & *8* STAR ANGELS, OUR NATION'S BEST & ELITE, TRUE AMERICAN HEROES, I AM VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU. YOU ALL ARE DOING *PHENOMENAL* WE PRAY NOW, OUR LORD'S PRAYER (EVERY DAY/NIGHT) JOHN 14:27 PEACE BE UNTO YOU…LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED; NEITHER BE AFRAID! WE HAVE VERY STRONG FAITH; WE ARE SAFE NOW! (OFTEN).
PLEASE REMEMBER, YOU ALL HAD * -0- ZERO FALLEN COMBAT SOLDIERS*, IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY OF IRAQ, DURING ALL OF AUGUST 2011 & ALL US ARMED FORCES TOO. PLUS, ALL OF OUR PRAYERS, WERE ANSWERED, ON NOVEMBER 8, 2011, THAT THE * MASSIVE* HUGE ASTEROID DID NOT COME CLOSE TO THIS EARTH. THIS IS CERTAINLY, MANY *PHENOMENAL* MIRACLES.
OUR LORD & HIS HEAVENLY ANGELS DID SPARE OUR GREAT EARTH & USA. THE MASSIVE ASTEROID MISSED US, BY OVER 201,000 MILES AWAY FROM OUR GREAT EARTH. I HAVE BEEN GETTING MANY *PHENOMENAL* REPORTS DAILY, OF MANY, MANY SOLDIERS HAVE BEEN SPARED FROM ANY INJURY IN COMBAT BATTLE. MANY, MANY OF OUR BRAVE US TROOPS, ARE BEING SO VERY *THANKFUL* & BLESSED NOW, TO COME *HOME* UN-INJURED & SAFE TO THEIR LOVED ONES! I AM SO PROUD TO BE A TRUE AMERICAN CITIZEN. WITH GREAT RESPECT & APPRECIATION, YOUR VERY DEVOTED AAFES INT'L VOLUNTEER, (LABOR OF LOVE) MINISTRY, SINCE 11/22/04 MALINDA SUE (REALLY SOON) ISOLA.
Served in the Navy form 87-91 we had a chapel on our ship not a mosque or temple and guess what was affixed on the door A CROSS never was it covered or removed and it was a classroom for college courses and a library so it was used by all and guess what, our RP was a Jew and he never complained and he helped with all services. People read the regs it can't be permanently attached or covered when not in use so have the jump shop make a cover and if you are there uncover it. Also when I joined the Navy the one thing I will never forget is that I was taught I had not rights I signed them away. If you want to make a difference join the Army and request to be sent there not a big deal. Put up or shut up. I've done my time in Hell. Desert Storm Combat Vet.
I don't know who this Kelly Calder is seems he knows more about the military and politics then anyone else in America I have been in the military and under Obama I myself could not haved served. He is keeping troops from voting , cause some other than yourself, will vote against him. As for pay grade don't mean cramp to Obama do u realize he is cutting benefits for the military what is stopping him from cutting pay.