American Legion: No crackdown on Christians for expressing faith

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I'm a Legionnaire; most Americans aren't. For those who want Legion-approved talking points, here is a good one:

(This is a USA Today article just shared by the Legion on Facebook. At the risk of name-dropping, I personally know the Legion Commander James Koultz, and he wants this spread.)

Christian conservatives have grown increasingly alarmed in recent weeks over reports and rumors that the Pentagon is considering new policies aimed at discriminating against Christians and disciplining or even court-martialing those who share their faith.

But the Department of Defense on Thursday sought to debunk that speculation, saying that while aggressive proselytizing is barred, evangelization is still permitted and the rights of all believers — and non-believers — will be protected.

"The U.S. Department of Defense has never and will never single out a particular religious group for persecution or prosecution," Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen said in a statement. "The Department makes reasonable accommodations for all religions and celebrates the religious diversity of our service members."

"Service members can share their faith (evangelize), but must not force unwanted, intrusive attempts to convert others of any faith or no faith to one's beliefs (proselytization)," Christensen added.

The American Legion insists there is no "crackdown" on Christian soldiers. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines of all faiths are invited to celebrate their faith in the military. This has always been true; the US Army, Navy, and Marines have always been exemplary since the 18th century in addressing the confessional requirements of all who serve.

EDIT: I forgot to add: the rights of nonbelievers are also fiercely protected. There are atheists in foxholes, and they are honorably serving men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

[get the red out]

1. Thank you

I saw that crap on FB and thought here we go again with the right-wing lies and fear-mongering.

[Recursion]

2. Those of us active in the Legion are sick of this crap

The Legion exists as the one voice for Veterans in public affairs of the United States, but unfortunately persons of one particular political persuasion have attempted to hijack that voice. The fact is we veterans are of all stripes: liberal, conservative, moderate, what have you. Anyone who pretends that veteran status is tied to a particular political stance is fooling himself and youl