Christian Headlines Blog Christian Blog and Commentary

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!

Air Force Academy May Drop 'God' From Oath

  • Religion Today Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Oct 25, 2013

The Air Force Academy is considering dropping the phrase "so help me God" from its honor oath after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation filed a complaint, Fox News reports. The Academy's Honor Review Committee met Wednesday to review the oath in response to the MRFF complaint, said public affairs director Maj. Brus Vidal. "They considered a range of options and some of those options will be presented to Academy leaders and, ultimately, the Academy Superintendent for a decision," he said. The current version of the Academy's oath reads: "We will not lie, steal or cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God." Vidal told the Air Force Times they could either make no change, make the God part optional or strike the entire oath. "We value an inclusive environment that promotes dignity and respect for all," Vidal told the newspaper. Ron Crews, executive director of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty, said the incident is "one more example of the Academy yielding to Mikey Weinstein at the expense of official military policy." Crews said: "Removing this voluntary affirmation expresses hostility toward religion. Further, it removes the solemnity and gravity of the oath, particularly for the many cadets who come from a faith tradition."