UPDATED.
A national non-profit is threatening to sue the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office over a Bible verse on a wall at the facility.
The sheriff says he believes the attack may be politically motivated, and refuses to back down from a statement of faith he said is beneficial to the department.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13,” has been on a wall at the sheriff’s office since just after Sheriff Jody Greene was elected. The decal was donated by a private individual, and was not paid for by tax dollars.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which is based in Wisconsin, says on its website that the Bible verse violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment or endorsement of any religion or religious tenet by Congress or any governmental agency. The argument has been the subject of multiple cases that went as far as the Supreme Court, generally challenging the display of the Ten Commandments in courthouses.
The group claims to have 30,000 members nationally, including several hundred members and affiliated groups in North Carolina.
FFRF said on its website that it was alerted to the verse by a local resident after the CCSO Facebook page showed donations being presented to the Columbus Baptist Association and Community CPR in front of the verse.
“The Supreme Court has said time and again that the ‘First Amendment mandates government neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion,’” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote in a letter and email to Greene. “The court has also ruled, ‘The Establishment Clause, at the very least, prohibits government from appearing to take a position on questions of religious belief.’”
The FFRF says more than one-third Americans are “non-Christians,” and “this includes the more than one in four Americans who now identify as religiously unaffiliated.”
“The message that is up in the sheriff’s building alienates this huge portion of the American population.”
FFRF did not respond to requests for additional comment.
Non-profit hints at lawsuit against CCSO
UPDATED.
A national non-profit is threatening to sue the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office over a Bible verse on a wall at the facility.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13,” has been on a wall at the sheriff’s office since just after Sheriff Jody Greene was elected. The decal was donated by a private individual, and was not paid for by tax dollars.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which is based in Wisconsin, says on its website that the Bible verse violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment or endorsement of any religion or religious tenet by Congress or any governmental agency. The argument has been the subject of multiple cases that went as far as the Supreme Court, generally challenging the display of the Ten Commandments in courthouses.
FFRF said on its website that it was alerted to the verse by a local resident after the CCSO Facebook page showed donations being presented to the Columbus Baptist Association and Community CPR in front of the verse.
“The Supreme Court has said time and again that the ‘First Amendment mandates government neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion,’” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote in a letter and email to Greene. “The court has also ruled, ‘The Establishment Clause, at the very least, prohibits government from appearing to take a position on questions of religious belief.’”
The FFRF says more than one-third Americans are “non-Christians,” and “this includes the more than one in four Americans who now identify as religiously unaffiliated.”
“The message that is up in the sheriff’s building alienates this huge portion of the American population.”
Greene initially offered no comment on the controversy. On Monday, he did issue one simple statement through the CCSO spokesperson, Michele Tatum.
“He simply stated that it is not coming down,” said Tatum.
Greene offered an expanded statement Tuesday. He said the verse is especially applicable to law enforcement.
“The verse is one of my favorite Bible verses, and it seemed fitting for all the adversity I have had to endure,” Greene said. “It is very motivational to me and my staff. Here at the Sheriff’s Office, we work hard in everything that we do. Before we execute a search warrant, or any service that puts our people in immediate harm’s way, we always go to the Lord with a group prayer.
“I was raised in church. I have been in law enforcement for over 30 years. My training taught me to value God, family, and my country.”
Greene said the threats by FFRF could be politically motivated. Two Democrat candidates, Jason Soles and Victor Jacobs, have announced plans to file to run for sheriff. Greene is the expected Republican nominee, and plans to seek reelection.
“I have taken many pictures with that Bible verse in the backdrop with not a single issue,” Greene said, “but now that we are going into an election year, it is an issue. How absurd. It seems to me we have a few sheep in wolves’ clothing. This is a political ploy. Some want a person that they can control.
“Companies spend thousands of dollars on motivational classes, to come up with motivational slogans. My motivation comes from the greatest motivational speaker of all times, Jesus Christ.”
Greene said society needs to focus more on faith as part of the overall plan to address problems like drugs and crime.
“Currently, in Columbus County, we are at 180 overdoses,” he said. “Drugs and violence are killing our youth. We need more Jesus and less politics. I would like to thank the folks for all the phone calls and messages of support. Five of our County Commissioners and our House of Representative Brendon Jones have also called with their support.
“I am not scared of much, but I am afraid of burning in Hell.”
Greene pointed out that the FFRF “mocks Christians’ fear of burning in Hell.
“According to their Facebook page, they have a contest for the Unabashed Atheist/Nonbeliever of the week. The virtual billboard … has the winner’s photo in a silhouette of the devil and flames.”
“Just look at where our society is headed,” Greene said. “It is time, past time, to stand up. So let me be clear, I will not waiver on my stance and Christian beliefs.”
Media coverage about the complaint has ignited a firestorm on social media, with supporters of the Sheriff’s Office sharing memes of the verse. T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are also being produced announcing support of the sheriff, the sheriff’s office and the Bible verse.
FFRF did not respond to requests for additional comment.
Media coverage about the complaint has ignited a firestorm on social media, with supporters of the Sheriff’s Office sharing memes of the verse. T-shirts, sweat shirts and hoodies are also being planned bearing messages of support of the sheriff, the sheriff’s office and the Bible verse.
