Washington D.C., Sep 23, 2016 / 05:56 am
New clarifications about Department of Veterans Affairs rules have resolved a dispute about religious Christmas carols, gifts and displays in veterans' hospitals, a chaplains' group has said.
"No one should try to water down Christmas for our veterans just because they object to any religious references or items. I am most grateful that the VA has clarified their policy prior to the upcoming holidays," Chaplain Ron Crews, a retired Army Reserve colonel, said Sept. 21.
The chaplain is executive director of Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, a group of Protestant Christian organizations and ministries that provide over 2,600 chaplains for the U.S. military.
"This should make clear that churches may sing Christmas carols and distribute Christmas cards at VA hospitals," Chaplain Crews continued. "The guidelines state that hospital administrators may allow this and provide reasonable guidance as to where displays may be set up and where and how long a church choir may sing."