VA Facility Removes Bible from Table That Honors Imprisoned, Missing Service Members
VA Facility Removes Bible from Table That Honors Imprisoned, Missing Service Members
Boy, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation sure showed them.
Earlier this month, the MRFF made a shocking discovery at a Lexington, Kentucky, Veterans Administration facility. The “Missing Man Table,” which pays tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action, had a Bible on it!
Of all the issues in the world that needed attention, this was one that demanded immediate action. In a letter to the executive director of the VA facility, the MRFF demanded the removal of the Bible, calling it “illicit, unconstitutional Christian proselytizing material.”
The VA facility caved in to these demands.
A Major Victory for the MRFF
According to MRFF Senior Research Director Chris Rodda, the VA initially removed the entire table. However, the MRFF announced that they had achieved a “major victory” when the table was restored, albeit with a journal replacing the Bible.
Medical Center Director Russell Armstead responded to the MRFF, expressing his commitment to respecting the dignity and rights of all veterans. He stated that all table displays within the VA Lexington Health Care System would now include a journal.
Replacing the Bible with a journal may seem like a small change, but it symbolizes the MRFF’s actions: replacing a religious text with a personal account.
“MRFF commends Mr. Armstead for his decision to do the right thing and honor ALL veterans in the VA medical facilities under his control,” MRFF said in a statement.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time the MRFF has clashed with a VA facility over a religious display. In 2019, they protested the presence of a Catholic Bible on a “Missing Man Table” in a facility in New Hampshire.
But what purpose does it serve to remove a Bible from a table? Only a small number of patients were reportedly bothered by its presence. Yet, the MRFF succeeded in pressuring the VA to capitulate, sending a message that religious references should be replaced with personal journals.
A Question of Priorities
If the MRFF is dedicating its resources to fighting over a table in Kentucky, it suggests that the challenges faced by nonbelievers in the Armed Forces are trivial. Perhaps the organization should focus on more significant cases of religious repression, if they exist.
However, this controversy draws attention, even if it seems trivial. The MRFF wants to assert its influence and challenge the dominance of Christianity in America, especially when it comes to influencing the federal government.
So, veterans seeking spiritual solace are now directed to find it in a journal. That’s the message being sent here. Quite an accomplishment.
The post VA Facility Removes Bible from Table That Honors Imprisoned, Missing Service Members appeared first on The Western Journal.
Why is it important for government institutions like the VA to uphold religious neutrality and equal treatment for all service members, regardless of their beliefs
Urnal may seem like a small victory for the MRFF, but it represents a big step towards ensuring religious freedom and inclusivity within VA facilities. The Missing Man Table is meant to honor and remember our brave service members who have been imprisoned or are missing in action, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. By removing the Bible and replacing it with a journal, the VA facility has created a more inclusive space that respects the diversity of those being honored.
Some may argue that removing the Bible is an attack on Christianity or that it undermines the religious traditions of our service members. However, it is important to remember that the VA is a government institution, and as such, it has an obligation to uphold the principles of the Constitution, including the separation of church and state. Placing a religious text on a government-sanctioned memorial table could be seen as a form of endorsement or favoritism towards a particular religion, which goes against the ideals of religious freedom and equal treatment for all.
The MRFF’s demand for the removal of the Bible from the Missing Man Table was not an attack on Christianity or any other religious faith. Instead, it was a call for neutrality and inclusivity within VA facilities. The goal was to ensure that all service members, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof, feel respected and honored in these spaces.
One could argue that the Bible holds significance for some service members and their families. While this is true, it is important to remember that the Missing Man Table is not meant to be a religious memorial. It is a solemn tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. By replacing the Bible with a journal, the VA facility has created a space where all service members and their families can come together, regardless of their religious beliefs, and pay their respects.
In the grand scheme of things, the removal of a Bible from a memorial table may seem like a small issue. However, it is representative of a larger conversation about religious freedom, inclusivity, and the role of religion in government institutions. The MRFF’s actions in this case highlight the importance of upholding the principles of religious neutrality within the VA, ensuring that all service members, regardless of their beliefs, are treated with equal respect and dignity.
In conclusion, the removal of a Bible from the Missing Man Table at a VA facility in Lexington, Kentucky, was not an attack on Christianity or any other religious faith. It was a call for neutrality and inclusivity within government institutions, ensuring that all service members and their families, regardless of their religious beliefs, feel respected and honored. By replacing the Bible with a journal, the VA facility has taken a step towards creating a more inclusive space that upholds the principles of religious freedom and equal treatment for all.
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