Reply to Congressman’s Collins Letter

Personal to Congressman Collins,

I read your statement as published online by FYN.  Congressman Collins Statement 
I am assuming that it is true and correct.

I am very concerned that in my opinion this statement violates your oath of office to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

Bottom line: No government body in our country can do anything to foster any religion, as to do so would infer that they supported that particular faith over all others including no personal faith. The bible that was on the table made a statement that the VA supported a particular faith over others, by allowing this book to be placed there. Would you have take the same position if rather than a Bible there was a Koran, on the table.

“the Islamic sacred book, believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel and written down in Arabic. The Koran consists of 114 units of varying lengths, known as suras ; the first sura is said as part of the ritual prayer. These touch upon all aspects of human existence, including matters of doctrine, social organization, and legislation.”

The idea of a memorial table was to honor ALL of those who gave their life to support the Constitution. By promoting a particular faith, the effect is to insult those who are not of that faith, who also gave their lives for our country.

As a Chaplin, you should understand the meaning of your oath, especially one taken under God. Therefore you should consider publicly retracting your statement and follow your oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and to honor ALL who died for us, regardless of their personal believes.

Submitted by Bill Wiener  March 2, 2016