Jones Questions VA Secretary On Bible Removal | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Washington, D.C.     Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) is asking Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald for an explanation as to why Bibles have been removed from Missing Man Table displays at several VA clinics across the country. The National League of POW/MIA Families puts a Bible on every Missing Man Table to "represent[s] the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God." In a letter sent yesterday, Congressman Jones and fellow members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus demanded an explanation for why the Bibles were removed, and made the case for why they should be returned.

    "Our First Amendment right to free exercise of religion is under attack today, most especially by government entities. We must ensure that our veterans are not prevented from enjoying the same freedoms they committed to defend and protect," said Congressman Jones.

    Congressman Jones has long been an advocate of preserving religious freedom in the Armed Forces. In 2014, he fought against unconstitutional limits on free speech and exercise of religion being placed on airman in senior positions. He has also fought to protect the right of military chaplains to close prayers outside of a religious service according to the dictates of their own consciences, as well as the right to include a commemorative cross on a memorial honoring service members. To read more on Congressman Jones' efforts to preserve religious freedom in the Armed Forces, click here.

    For additional information, please contact Sarah Howard in Congressman Jones' office at (202) 225-3415 or sarah.howard@mail.house.gov.