Air Force Academy: chapel for Wiccans, Druids.etc

[Salty]

According to AR 135-1 para 12-3-h, a chapel may be used for appropriate non-religious activities if it does not interfere with religious services.

 

[Jim1999]

In my day, the Canadian military recognized only two religions: Roman Catholic and Protestant (this was Anglican regardless of your affiliation) I was a chaplain and conducted Anglican services for my 8 years. In war, we had permission to apply last rites to dying Catholics on the battle field.

Not sure what they do to-day.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Aaron]

Good stuff. If the state is going to cater to one religion they must cater to all.

Where is that written

 

[Aaron]

That would be illegal.

Christianity is illegal in some countries.

 

[Aaron]

It seems that this outdoor chapel was designed for just that. Most base chapels are shared by several groups as well.

So how would you determine which groups are worth the protection of the First Amendment?

I prefer to fall out on the side of freedom.

The First Amendment was drafted to limit congress only. Nine of the thirteen colonies had state churches when the First Amendment was ratified. It wasn't about protecting any group, it was about the power and scope of the federal government.

 

[Aaron]

The Mormon polygamy question long ago established that religious practices contrary to US law are not covered by the First Amendment. That issue is settled already. Human sacrifice and cannibalism would not be protected. That point is a non-issue.

It's not a non-issue. It is definitely a religious question. Marriage is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to religion and the laws of a state.

 

[Aaron]

There is only one religion that can be fully and freely practiced without injustices to individuals of other faiths, and that is Protestant Christianity—Calvinism.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

This whole issue could be easily solved it the burden for building chapels was taken off the back of the taxpayer completely.

 

[carpro]

There are over 4200 worldwide religious and cult groups.

Word is the Air Force Academy is buying more land to give them all their own chapel, as required by the First Amendment.:thumbs:

 

[rbell]

Oh well...I guess we have to have Druid and Wiccan concessions in our armed forces.

Otherwise, no Democrats would sign up.





(just kidding...)

 

[Melanie]

Goodness me! I was very surprised at some of the responses too....oh well I guess human sacrifice will be next on the agenda, and Devil worship.

As Christians eould you need to cleanse the chapel before use.....

Duh, human sacrifice is all ready happening, it is called euphemistically
abortion.:tear:

 

[FR7 Baptist]

Goodness me! I was very surprised at some of the responses too....oh well I guess human sacrifice will be next on the agenda, and Devil worship.

Human sacrifice is illegal. In the U.S. we have freedom of religion, but you can't do a religious act that violates a law with a secular purpose.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

There are over 4200 worldwide religious and cult groups.

Word is the Air Force Academy is buying more land to give them all their own chapel, as required by the First Amendment.:thumbs:

I prefer that my taxes are not used to build any chapels.

 

[NiteShift]

'Nowhere except for the United States of America would this be possible.'

No, not only in America.

In the UK Believing in BBC's ethos is equivalent to a faith!:


"Rules to prevent religious discrimination can now also be used to protect a belief in the BBC’s ethos of public service broadcasting, a tribunal has ruled."

"Its extraordinary decision elevates the BBC’s core principle to a place in the law equivalent to Christianity."

 

[NiteShift]

I prefer that my taxes are not used to build any chapels.

Well the service acadamies (other than the Air Force) were built in the 19th century, so surely the chapels are all now paid for.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Well the service acadamies (other than the Air Force) were built in the 19th century, so surely the chapels are all now paid for.

In this specific that is true, but the principle is still there. Why are taxpayers forced to finance religious facilities they disagree with? Why should evangelical Christians have to pay the salary of Roman Catholic chaplains and vice versa?

 

[NiteShift]

In this specific that is true, but the principle is still there. Why are taxpayers forced to finance religious facilities they disagree with? Why should evangelical Christians have to pay the salary of Roman Catholic chaplains and vice versa?

But you said this was "Good stuff" (Meaning building the outdoor wiccan chapel evidently). If it is good stuff, then funding Protestant chaplains shouldn't be a problem.

I have no problem with my tax money funding a Christian service at the academies on sunday. You can make any kind of legalistic, ACLU-type argument but when does common sense and reality enter the equation?

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

But you said this was "Good stuff" (Meaning building the outdoor wiccan chapel evidently). If it is good stuff, then funding Protestant chaplains shouldn't be a problem.

I have no problem with my tax money funding a Christian service at the academies on sunday. You can make any kind of legalistic, ACLU-type argument but when does common sense and reality enter the equation?

Good point. If you group has a chapel, others should be accommodated as well. My preference would be, however, that no one's taxes are used to pay for someone else's religious practice.

 

[Jim1999]

It is a service for military personnel who sacrifice enough with their lives to be concerned about a few taxes!!!!!

Cheers,

Jim

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

It is a service for military personnel who sacrifice enough with their lives to be concerned about a few taxes!!!!!

Cheers,

Jim

If this is the case is the taxpayer not compelled to provide the same service for all military personnel, no matter what their 'religion?'