pagan site at Air Force Academy vandalized

[niyad]

"It boils down to the key issue of re spect -- respect for everyone's right to practice their faith as they choose."

-- Academy spokesman John Van Winkle

-- The Air Force Academy, stung several years ago by accusations of Christian bias, has built an outdoor worship area for pagans and other practitioners of Earth-based religions.
But its opening, heralded as a sign of a more tolerant religious climate at the academy in Colorado Springs, was marred by the discovery two weeks ago of a large wooden cross placed there.

"We've been making great progress at the Air Force Academy . This is clearly a setback," said Michael Weinstein, a 1977 academy graduate. He is founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and has often tangled with the academy over such issues.
. . . .

Academy spokesman John Van Winkle said officials reported the situation to those on base and issued a message reiterating the school's policy of religious tolerance and respect.

In a statement, Gould said: "We absolutely will not stand for this type of destructive behavior. I consider this no different than someone writing graffiti on the Cadet Chapel."

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http://epaper.orlandosentinel.com/OS/OS/2010/02/03/ArticleHtmls/03_02_2010_003_003.shtml