CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Long before political correctness came into vogue, the Veterans Administration imposed a “religion neutral” policy with regard to its chapel use at hospitals.

Half a century later, the policy is being enforced across the federal agency to the chagrin of some citizens using the Beckley VA Medical Center.

Faith-specific symbols — basically the Christian cross — must either be removed or covered up once a service has been held, in the event disciples of other faiths want to use the chapel, it has been explained by the VA.

State Sen. Mike Green, D-Raleigh, who was apprised of the sudden enforcement of the 1953 policy by fellow worshippers at Maple Fork Baptist Church, finds the VA’s renewed interest puzzling.

“If the policy has been in effect since July 1953, what has occurred now to where this has become an issue to where we want to take down the cross that’s been there literally for decades in that facility?” Green asked Friday.

Green pointed to the sacrifices of veterans who shed blood on foreign soil to maintain religious freedoms that inspired America’s founding centuries ago.

“This country was founded on Christian beliefs,” he said.

Green said he understands other faiths may likewise exercise religious freedom, “but I think that’s important that we not forget the values on which we were founded.”

“I would venture to say that 95-plus percent, just an estimate, of the veterans that frequent that facility are of the Christian faith.

“I just have a strong moral obligation to speak out against this. I think it’s just another attack on the values and principles this country was founded on. It really disappoints me.”

In the 1953 policy, the “labeling of chapel buildings or the erection of chapels for the exclusive use of a particular faith group is contrary to policy.”

Debbie Voloski, the Beckley facility’s public affairs director, said the chapel cannot be the exclusive domain of any particular faith. When not in use, for instance, any Bibles, crosses or other accouterments of the Christian faith cannot be left on display after a church has conducted a service there.

Upon hearing complaints from other Christians, Green said he made telephone calls to members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation, but hasn’t heard back from any.

“It’s a sad state of affairs where we’re going in this country,” he added.



Mannix Porterfield writes for The Register-Herald in Beckley, W.Va.