Va. House backs bill to let State Police chaplains invoke Jesus
Bob Brown/Times-Dispatch
Del. Charles W. Carrico Sr., R-Grayson, (center) listens to debate over the chaplaincy issue. He’s flanked by Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William, (left) and Del. William H. Fralin Jr., R-Roanoke.
Published: February 4, 2009
The House of Delegates today approved a bill that would allow State Police chaplains to pray in the name of Jesus Christ after an emotional floor debate in which delegates quoted the Bible and Thomas Jefferson.
Last year the superintendent of the Virginia State Police ordered chaplains to deliver nondenominational prayers at such functions as trooper graduation ceremonies and the annual memorial service for fallen officers. Six chaplains resigned in protest.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who defended the action by Superintendent of State Police W. Steven Flaherty, says chaplains could continue to perform their ministerial duties and if they don't want to make a nondenominational prayer, they don't have to.
The bill's sponsor, Del. Charles W. Carrico Sr., R-Grayson, said today that not allowing such prayers would violate freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Del. Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, pointed out that prayers opening each daily session of the General Assembly frequently invoke the name of Jesus.
Two Jewish delegates, Adam P. Ebbin and David L. Englin, both Alexandria Democrats, spoke against the bill.
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