An Atheist Attack on Air Force Christians
An American secular organization has demanded that an Air Force major be "aggressively punished" for placing an open Bible on his desk at the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., arguing that it violates the separation of church and state.
Colorado Springs Independent reported Wednesday that the Bible was removed from the desk, and Peterson officials are investigating whether allowing the officer to place it there was a reasonable accommodation of his religious beliefs.
"The basic premise of the Air Force instruction [on religious freedom], grounded in Department of Defense policy, grounded in law is, people have an inherent right to free exercise of religion within boundaries," said Col. Damon Feltman, 310th Space Wing commander.
"At the same time, people have freedom to be left alone. It's finding that right balance. The challenge of the commander is to be sure both people are treated fairly."
