A group advocating the separation of church and state is trying to send a message to President Obama about religion in the military ahead of the president’s June 2 commencement address at the Air Force Academy.
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has erected a billboard behind the graduation stage and is planning to fly an aerial banner during the ceremony. The billboard reads, “Welcome Mr. President To Our AF Academy. Why is Jesus Commander In Chief Here?”
Mikey Weinstein, who founded the group, said religion has no place in the armed forces.
“We want people to be judged on their value, talent, patriotism and their character, not whether they accept Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior,” Mr. Weinstein told BizPac Review. “When it comes to separating church and state, the Air Force Academy shows overt favoritism to one version of Christianity.”
The Air Force Academy in December ruled that its football players have the right to pray publicly on the field before games. The matter came under review after a complaint questioning the propriety of the religious expression was filed by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
“We are watching everything the AFA does, and it’s made no significant progress,” Mr. Weinstein said. “It pains me to say because I’m a graduate.”
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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