A new policy banning Virginia State Police chaplains from saying Jesus,' Christ' during prayer is stirring up a lot of controversy. Six chaplains have already resigned over the issue.
"In the bible it says to pray in Jesus name," said Charlotte Ryan, Johnson City, Tennessee resident.
Claude Duncan from Johnson City is also against the prayer policy change.
“I think it's a terrible thing that they would create such a thing that would deny us the privilege of praying in the name of our savor, Jesus Christ," Duncan said.
We found strong opposition on Monday to a decision by Virginia State Police to ban chaplains from saying 'Jesus,' 'Christ' in prayer at department events like trooper graduations.
Trooper Rex Carter is one of six chaplains who resigned after this prayer policy change by Virginia State Police.
"I just felt that my faith, my bible, my convictions must be my guide, so I made a decision to resign from the program rather than participate in this generic prayer policy," Carter said.
Carter and the other chaplains who resigned will remain on the force as officers. Why was this new policy put in place?
In a statement, Virginia State Police Colonel Steven Flaherty wrote.
"The Department recognizes the importance as a state government agency to be inclusive and respectful of the varied ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs of our employees, their families, and citizens at-large."
The chaplains who resigned will remain on the force as sworn officers.
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