CMPD's Anti Jesus Fall Out Continues

Earlier this month Charlotte- Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) said it was removing "Jesus" from prayers during department ceremonies and ordered all CMPD Chaplains to follow the new guidlines.

CMPD's Chaplains have always included Jesus' name in their invocations at official department ceremonies, but the department says they want the prayers to be more inclusive.

The story has gained national attention as news outlets coast to coast have picked up the story from WBTV and The Charlotte Observer.

So the question that begs asking is why now?

Cedar Posts did just that and turned up a few answers and some theories. They range from threats from the ACLU, DNC and others to Chief Monroe is just feathering his nest, by showing the nation that CMPD has become a modern and progressive police department under his leadership.

CMPD Chaplains aren't the first to be constrained. In February of 2006 the Secretary of the Navy quietly issued new regulations governing Naval chaplains. The regulations, known as SECNAVINST 1730.7C which is short for "Secretary of the Navy Instruction 1730.7C, called "explicitly" for nonsectarian prayers at official events.

Military Chaplains have been around since July 29, 1775 when they were recognized as necessary by the Continental Congress as the founding fathers began to build the nation's first army. Chaplains up until 1730.7C have always been allowed to pray in a whatever manner they felt necessary.

SECNAVINST 1730.7C was short lived as Congress rescinded the instructions in the 2007 Defense Authorization Act the following summer. Interestingly the United States Air Force created their own instructions authorizing Chaplains to use Jesus' name at the same time SECNAVINSY 1730.7C was created.

All of this points to "political theater" which is often at the expense of so many. Rodney Monroe doesn't care if Jesus' name is invoked during events, he is just using the department and his position as chief to throw his weight around in hopes of being "noticed".

The odd thing is the "new guidelines" seem to coincide with Capt Pless' EEOC action over being forced to attend church services and on the heels of devout "Christian" Vicky Foster's promotion to Deputy Chief.

Cedar's Take: The solution is simple, from now on those in attendance at CMPD events need to come to our chaplain's aid in closing his/her prayer properly by saying aloud, "In Jesus Holy Name Amen". Just saying.