Pastors and Christian leaders held a press conference Wednesday demanding the reinstatement of six police chaplains who resigned over a prayer policy.
They called on Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and State Police Superintendent Col. Steven Flaherty to reverse the policy — which prohibits police chaplains from praying in Jesus' name — and reinstate the chaplains.
In September, Flaherty issued a directive requiring police chaplains to offer only "nondenominational prayers" at public events, such as trooper graduations and memorial services.
Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, said the policy violates the First Amendment.
“Requiring a Christian chaplain to effectively pray to an unknown God should frighten every American," she told Family News in Focus. "Once again, our sacred rights are being sacrificed at the altar of political correctness.”
"The birthplace of religious freedom, Virginia should not become a graveyard for religious expression."
Republican Delegate Charles Carrico said he will submit a bill to overturn the decision when the General Assembly returns in January.
— Family News in Focus
