Air Force Issues New Guidelines on Religion

August 30, 2005

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/30/national/30religion.html

On August 30, 2005 The New York Times reported, "The Air Force issued new religion guidelines to its commanders yesterday that caution against promoting any particular faith - or even 'the idea of religion over nonreligion' - in official communications or functions like meetings, sports events and ceremonies. The guidelines discourage public prayers at official Air Force events or meetings other than worship services, one of the most contentious issues for many commanders. But they allow for 'a brief nonsectarian prayer' at special ceremonies like those honoring promotions, or in 'extraordinary circumstances' like 'mass casualties, preparation for imminent combat and natural disasters.' The Air Force developed the guidelines after complaints from cadets at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs that evangelical Christians leaders were using their positions to promote their faith. The guidelines apply not just to the academy, but also to the entire Air Force. They will be made final later this year after Air Force generals meet and consider recommendations from their commanders."