Religion in the Air Force; balancing rights and respect

  • Published
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  The Air Force published its guidelines on the free exercise of religion in February 2006, but some Airmen still find themselves wondering, "Where are the lines when it comes to my faith?"

The Religious Guidelines were not written to prevent people from practicing their faith. Instead, they help protect the constitutional right of every Airman to practice his/her beliefs, while respecting the beliefs of others. The basic tenets of the guidelines are as follows:
· The Air Force remains neutral regarding religious beliefs and will accommodate personal beliefs unless limited by military necessity
· Chaplains work for commanders to help care for people of all beliefs
· Leaders at every level enjoy the same freedom of expression as all Airmen, but must ensure their words and actions are not construed as official, nor endorsing or disapproving of a particular belief
· Individuals are entitled to practice and freely discuss their personal faith beliefs.
· There is no restriction on voluntary discussions of religion, or the exercise of free speech, where it is reasonably clear that the discussions are personal, not official or coercive
· Public prayer for special events is appropriate, but should not imply government endorsement of a specific religion. Mutual respect, common sense, circumstances and needs of the command all apply