Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

October 2014 – The U.S. Navy reversed course after tens of thousands of AFA supporters contacted officials to demand that Gideon Bibles be returned to their proper place in hotels operated by the military branch.

The Bibles are placed free of charge by Gideons International in 34 Navy Lodges and all 24,000 Navy Gateway Inns and Suites guest rooms around the world.

But after a single complaint filed by the atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation, the Navy admiral in charge of the hotels ordered the Bibles removed.

Comments by AFA supporters poured into the offices of Navy officials, and the order was reversed. The policy will now be reviewed.

“This was a great victory, but obviously we must remain vigilant as the Navy reconsiders this ill-conceived policy of Bible confiscation,” said Randy Sharp, AFA director of special projects. “We know we can trust our supporters to fight for religious freedom in the future, just as they did in this case.”

To sign up for AFA Action Alerts, such as the one that spurred the response to the removal of Bibles, visit afa.net.