Press Releases

In response to news reports this week that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is threatening to sue the U.S. Naval Academy unless it abolishes its daily nondenominational lunchtime prayer, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) issued the following statement:

“I am very disappointed that the ACLU has targeted the U.S. Naval Academy in a renewed attack against America’s long history of religious freedom.  In 2003, after the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals decided in favor of the ACLU in a lawsuit to strip the Virginia Military Institute of its right to pre-supper prayer, the ACLU eagerly expressed its interest in locating Naval Academy graduates to file a similar suit against lunchtime prayer at the U.S. Naval Academy.”

“In response to this threat, I introduced the Military Academy First Amendment Protection Act – legislation to protect the ability of our military service academies to include the offering of a voluntary, nondenominational prayer as an element of their activities. With the support of other members of Congress, this legislation was included as a provision of the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act – which was signed by the President and became law on January 6, 2006.  I am so grateful that my colleagues – in both parties – stood with me, and acted to protect prayer at the United States’ Military, Naval and Air Force Academies.”

“Prayer or devotional thought has taken place at meals for midshipmen since the Naval Academy’s founding in 1845.  These prayers are nondenominational and have been rotated among chaplains of different faiths.  Legal threats by the ACLU are not made in the spirit of religious tolerance, but rather a spirit of intolerance for any expression of faith at all.”

“By passing legislation to ensure our service academies’ right to offer ‘a voluntary, nondenominational prayer at an otherwise authorized activity of the academy,’ Congress codified its belief that decisions respecting prayer should remain in the hands of each service academy’s superintendent.  As mission-crucial institutions, it should be the military authorities – and not civilian courts – that decide what practices are essential to fostering leadership and accomplishing the unique military mission.”

“I am hopeful that my colleagues in Congress will continue to stand with me to ensure the protection of our future military heroes’ First Amendment rights.”