A civil rights group filed suit Tuesday seeking the removal of a historic World War II Bible from a public display case at a veterans hospital, saying it violates the constitutional prohibition on government establishment of religion.
The Bible at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Manchester, N.H., is part of a POW/MIA display that honors those who have been imprisoned or never were found. The Bible sits atop a table with a plate, drinking glass, candle, flower, American flag and salt shaker. An empty chair also is part of the display.
The Bible is protected behind a locked plexiglass box. It was donated by Herman “Herk” Streitburger of Bedford, N.H., who was held in a German prisoner of war camp during World War II. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps technical sergeant.
“We would all be outraged if the MVAMC only provided care to Christians, or denied care to non-believers, or those who worship their God in other ways,” the federal suit says. “The placement of a Christian Bible on this sacred table is just as objectionable.”
It was filed on behalf of James Chamberlain, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who receives treatment at the facility. He is a member of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Barrington, N.H.
“Despite his strong personal religious beliefs, he believes that the Christian Bible has no place being displayed on…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.