Religion Roundup
Virginia Governor is Criticized over Chaplain Prayer Policy
Associated Press
September 25, 2008
RICHMOND, Va. - A Virginia lawmaker accuses Governor Tim Kaine's administration of an "attack on Christianity" for asking State Police chaplains to offer nondenominational prayers.
A news release issued by House Republican Leader Morgan Griffith says several Virginia troopers who serve as chaplains gave up those roles because they can't pray at public events in Jesus' name.
Colonel Steve Flaherty, the State Police superintendent, asked chaplains to keep their prayers ecumenical at department-sponsored public events such as trooper graduations. The directive doesn't apply to private venues such as funerals.
Governor Kaine, a Democrat, is a former Roman Catholic missionary who acknowledges his faith publicly and often. His office called Griffith's press release a political attack on the governor's faith.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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