Pentagon looking into generals’ video: Promotion of Christian group
WASHINGTON, Dec 11: The Pentagon’s inspector-general is looking into a promotional video that shows generals in uniform endorsing a Christian group that caters to political and military leaders, a spokesman said on Monday.
A watchdog group asked for a formal investigation into circumstances surrounding the video promoting the Christian Embassy, saying the role played by seven army and air force generals violated military regulations.
“High-level army and air force officials appearing in uniform, in the Pentagon touting the Christian embassy implies a government endorsement of the organisation and its sectarian religious mission,” the Military Religious Freedom Foundation wrote in demanding the investigation.
The group, founded by a retired air force lawyer, was formed initially to challenge the proselytising of cadets at the Air Force Academy by Christian evangelicals with the support of senior officers.
The Pentagon’s inspector-general was looking into the group’s letter but had not decided whether to investigate, said Major Stuart Upton, a Pentagon spokesman.
“The Department of Defence does not endorse any religion, religious activity or religious organisation,” Major Upton said. “That said we do ... provide opportunities for service members to practise their faiths.” He said based on an initial review of the video, `it appears a disclaimer is warranted in regard to specifying no endorsement by the Department of Defence’. “There are other things that are going to be looked at,” he said.
The Christian Embassy describes itself on its website as a `non-political, multi-denominational ministry that has been caring for, encouraging and equipping our country’s leaders and decision-makers for nearly 30 years.” Among other things, the group says it conducts weekly prayer breakfasts in the Pentagon’s executive dining room.
In the video, which was made last year, generals and Pentagon’s senior civilian officials give on camera testimonials praising the Christian Embassy.—AFP
