AU: Air Force partners with activist evangelical groups for celebration

[kevinbgoode]

In what appears to be growing evidence of an outright infiltration of our nation's military command, the Air Force will be participating with activist evangelical "christian" organizations promoting a "salute to the troops" laced heavily with conservative "christian" witnessing and proselytizing at Stone Mountain, Georgia, over the Memorial Day weekend. More from this Americans United for Separation of Church and State press release here:

http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=9149&JServSessionIdr009=kkdrb94al2.app5b

Some of the text:

U.S. military participation in a three-day evangelical Christian gathering in Georgia violates the U.S. Constitution, according to Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

In a May 23 letter to Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Acting Secretary of the Army Peter Geren, Americans United says the military should not endorse or promote a festival arranged by evangelical Christian groups at Stone Mountain Park.

The event is being hosted by Task Force Patriot USA, as well as LifeWay Christian Stores, the publishing house of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), and Holman Bible Outreach International.

According to Task Force Patriot USA’s Web site, the organization exists “for the purpose of sharing the fullness of life in Jesus Christ with all U.S. military, military veterans and families,” and “Christ is our Commander-in-Chief.” The group’s logo is a shield centered with a Christian cross with its sides bracketed by an American flag and Christian flag.

The May 26-28 event at Stone Mountain Park is billed as a “Salute To The Troops, Memorial Day Celebration,” but the program includes a Christian worship service and heavy emphasis on evangelical outreach.

The event will feature hourly flyovers by Air Force Jets, including B-2 stealth bombers, parachute jumps by the U.S. Army’s Silver Wings Parachute Jump Team and speeches from top military and former military officials and evangelical Christian preachers, including the former SBC president, Bobby Welch.


Is this not the same military which, for over a year, refused to allow a Wiccan symbol to mark the grave of an American soldier? At what point are we going to question whether the U.S. military is becoming an arm of the wingnut "christian" movement instead of an organ existing to protect ALL the people of a free nation?

[enki23]

1. At what point?

At what point are we going to question whether the U.S. military is becoming an arm of the wingnut "christian" movement instead of an organ existing to protect ALL the people of a free nation?

We probably never had such a thing, except by extension. We are only safe so long as the christian majority doesn't decide to start killing us. Same as it ever was.

[54anickel]

2. Onward Christian Soldiers! Must be gearing up for phase 2 of the Crusade. n/t

[eringer]

3. Uncle Sam Wants You!

Yeah, But God forbid the Army and Air Force pitch a tent to sign up the children of these born-again gay-bashers. The have no guts but demand all the glory.

[54anickel]

5. I was guessing it was a recruitment drive from both sides. If I remember

correctly, there was no shortage of born-agains signing up for Bush's first crusade. It's the rich kid high school and college campuses that tend to lack the sign-up tents. :shrug:

[BOSSHOG]

4. Isn't it telling that pro-lifers so love the culture of war

where those not like them die at the hands of lunatic American Civilian "leadership?"

I have every confidence that their plan to take over our military will backfire. Don't know how, but it will.

[TwilightGardener]

6. As an Air Force officer's wife, why am I not surprised by this?

My husband fights the fundies every day in his squadron.

[Maat]

7. I hear you!

It must be exhausting!