Army Base Cannot Coerce Soldier Trainees to Attend Church Services

[flashl]

Says Americans United Watchdog Group

Asks US Department of Defense to Investigate Missouri Army Base That Promotes Baptist Church Proselytism

WASHINGTON - July 23 - Americans United for Separation of Church and State today asked the U.S. Department of Defense to investigate an Army base’s practice of coercing soldiers to attend church services during their training.

Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri offers “Free Day Away” as one of only two opportunities for soldiers to leave the base during eight weeks of vigorous Army training. (The other day is the day before graduation, which can be spent with parents and guests.) During “Free Day Away,” trainees are picked up by a bus sent from the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Lebanon, Mo., to participate in a day full of recreational activities, followed by dinner and a required church service.

Trainees are given the impression that the event is sponsored by the Army and that they must attend. If they do not attend, they have to remain on the base and continue with training, while those who attend the event have a break for the day.

“We believe that it is of utmost importance that the Army guarantee the constitutional rights of those who risk their lives to protect our freedom,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director. “And that means ensuring that soldiers have the freedom to practice any faith or no faith at all.

Common Dreams

[Lugnut]

1. K&R n/t

[ThomCat]

2. I'm so amazingly sick of all the news that religion is being shoved

down the throats of people in the military.

If a religion was so amazingly wonderful you wouldn't have to trick or coerce people to attend services. x(

[HowHasItComeToThis]

3. MILITARY KNOWS NOTHING OF FREEDOM

RELIGION IS A FRAUD.

[AwakeAtLast]

4. MY HUSBAND STAYED ON THAT BASE

I remember when he told me about that day. He is Pagan and would no more go to something like that than the man in the moon. Needless to say, he had to endure a tough day of training instead of getting the day off. I thought it was something every base did. Glad to know they are looking into this. :)


Edit to add that this was back in 2003. :hi:

[tbyg52]

5. Hooray for AU! nt