Congressman Shuler Stands Up For God and the Flag

Shuler wants to reunite 'God,' flag

Barbara Barrett and Jane Stancill, Staff Writers

U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler wants to reconsider banning "God."

The Waynesville Democrat has asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi to revisit a prohibition on the word God or other religious references from certificates that accompany flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.

As reported by The Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper, a GOP congressman from Ohio became upset when God was removed from the requested writing submitted by one of his constituents.

The House Administration Committee responded this week by proposing a compromise that would let members of Congress submit writing that includes religious references. Pelosi's office supports the idea. Shuler sent Pelosi a letter asking her to take a look at the policy.

"I believe that this restriction is an unnecessary restriction on our citizens' right to openly and freely practice their religion," he wrote.

He added later, "As a person of faith and an elected member of this Congress, I strongly disagree with the Architect's prohibition of the word 'God' from flag certificates and ask that you examine the authority under which he is making this policy."

Constituents can pay to have flags flown over the U.S. Capitol dome and then shipped to them with accompanying certificates. According to The Hill, the Architect of the Capitol formalized its policy on certificate language in 2003.

Source Article: Raleigh News & Observer

Hat Tip: Don Yelton


Commentary

Kudos to Congressman Heath Shuler!!!

No matter how much I disagree with this man on many issues, I will always respect him for holding on to his faith, especially in an atmosphere that is hostile to Christianity.