My local newscaster wore a large cross (not a crucifix) necklace last night. I want your opinion.

[chaska]

Yep, sure did. Big as life. Do you have a problem with this? I ask because I, only two weeks ago, caught her calling us the "Democrat party". I wrote and set her straight about that (respecfully).

Subsequently, I went to station's website and saw that she is a sunday school teacher (Southern Baptist ... shriek, horror!), sings in the choir, and travels the state to speak at other churches.

I don't have a problem with her being a Christian, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate for a newcaster to be declaring her religion publicly, and I'm really wary of the crucifix thing.

What do ya'll think?

EDIT: Okay, I'm a doofus. I don't know shit (thankfully) about religion. It was a big cross (sans Jesus), not a crucifix.

[Maat]

1. I'm waiting to see what others say - I'm on the fence about this.

I, personally, would prefer that people wear necklaces, for instance, beneath the shirt (but that's just me).

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. Was she carrying it on her back?

Because I can't see why anyone would have a problem with a crucifix necklace.

"I'm not sure if it's appropriate for a newcaster to be declaring her religion publicly"

:rofl:

[pitohui]

6. yeah, what religion is she declaring?

the post claims she is a southern baptist, then states she is wearing a catholic symbol that is not permitted to protestants, so i dunno, folks

i think we gotta take this one with a grain

[fishwax]

73. there are protestants who use the crucifix

just for the record :) (Anglicans, Episcopalians, some Lutherans ...)

[fasttense]

3. I would stop watching her. n/t

[pitohui]

4. i think southern baptists don't wear a crucifix

so i think you're pulling our legs, aren't you?

:-)

[Stuckinthebush]

8. I was about to say the same thing

However, the OP could be saying that it was a big cross and calling it a crucifix.

For the OPs info: A crucifix has a crucified Jesus on it and is used mainly by people of the Catholic faith. The crucifix reminds wearers of the sacrifice of Jesus. Most protestants wear a cross without a crucified Jesus on it to focus on the new birth by Jesus, not his death.

[uppityperson]

36. I didn't know that. Thank you for the information.

I always thought a cross without a body was just a cross without a body, thought they just made it into more of a stylized symbol, didn't know it was supposed to signify a different thing. So is it the sacrifice of his life (here on earth) vs the rebirth? Thanks.

[Stuckinthebush]

91. One of the perks of having a theologian as a father!

Lots of useless (and useful) religious stuff rolling around in my head!

Yes, you will rarely, if never, see a crucifix in a mainstream protestant church. The actual death of Jesus, while a necessary step in his resurrection, is not as important as the rebirth. The resurrection signifies that the gift of Christ was permanent and everlasting. I seem to remember, also, that this also goes way back to Martin Luther and his reformation. Religious messages were full of sadness and guilt, but the protestant reformation emphasized the promise and the joy.

Catholics, on the other hand, would say that you can't celebrate the cross without the crucifixion. The crucified Jesus represents such an important piece of the Christian story. God/Jesus loved mankind so very much that God/Jesus gave Jesus' life for the eternal salvation of all humankind. "Man" had fallen from the beginning (see: Adam, Eve, Garden of Eden) and was doomed to eternal damnation. Without this sacrifice of Jesus we would all still be damned. One should look on the sacrificed Jesus as a promise by God. His suffering should give us all pause and make us remember the incredible gift given by God.

I would imagine that there is also a historical link to anti-Catholicism in that the cross is NOT a catholic symbol like the crucifix. I remember an old Baptist friend mentioning that the crucifix was dreadful and should not be used because it showed a "dead" Jesus. I had a Catholic girlfriend for a while that explained the significance of the crucifix for Catholics and to me, it made sense from her perspective.

You know, from an academic standpoint, religion is fascinating!

[chaska]

9. If I were, I'd have posted in the lounge.

[free_spirit82]

10. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church....

unfortunately. And every woman and some of the men wore a crucifix of some sort every Sunday.

ETA: Just read stuckinthebush's post, and by that definition, only a few women wore actual crucifixes....my mother has two though...one that she wears on special occasions and another that she wears every other day of the week.

[pitohui]

12. no they didn't, they may have worn a cross

they certainly did not wear a crucifix

[free_spirit82]

14. I edited my post....

but several women did wear crucifixes....including my Southern Baptist mother.

[pitohui]

35. i'm shocked the minister did not tell them something

the crucifix is not an acceptable item of wear for southern baptists or any protestants, as my mom among others would haughtily sniff, unlike the <redacted the not very nice word for catholics>, we believe that jesus came down off that cross

[hfojvt]

65. that's the thing about Protestants

we don't take orders from clergy, but even that depends on the denomination.

[Singular73]

5. Why wouldn't it be appropriate?

Thats the problem with freedom...sometimes people do things you don't necessarily agree with.

More Free > Less Free.

[sniffa]

7. nah, she's just a fraid of vampires

or has a need to tackiLy advertise herseLf to feLLow beLievers without the WWJD braceLets.

aLthough they're working on it, at the moment there is no working christ-dar.

[deepthought42]

11. YIkes, that would make me turn off the tv...

or change the channel. It's just not something I'd want to watch...

[Az]

13. Its their right... but that is beside the point (and a personal story)

So I was at this annual art sale in one of the cooler towns in Michigan (Royal Oak). Several streets were given over to the tents and stalls. On one corner though were a group of Christians with a bullhorn informong all that walked by that if they were not with Christ they were doomed. It was the bullhorn. I was pretty sure you need a permit to use one of those things. So I went out to seek out a cop.

I found one but his back was to me as he was talking to another citizen. I waited. He eventually finished and turned around and it was then that I found myself staring face to face with the biggest cross I had ever seen hanging on a chain.

Yeah.... not good.

There are certain professions that should strive to maintain neutrality. Newscasters should definately be in this category.

[Stuckinthebush]

19. Wow...I've never seen that

That can be rather intimidating to non-Christians when a peace officer has such a public display of faith.

[DearAbby]

48. I don't see it.

A police officer has a strict uniform code. I don't think flashy medallions are a part of that uniform code. The officer may wear the jewelry under his shirt.

A Newscaster, and a female one at that, are not under a strict dress code. Most people wear them has a symbol of their devotion, and their right via the constitution.

[chaska]

21. BINGO! My point exactly.

[Zhade]

79. Um, wasn't that a violation of the first amendment?

That cop is paid with public funds.

[JerseygirlCT]

90. Did you tell him anyway?

Why assume his religion would impede his ability to enforce the laws? That sounds a bit unfair on your part, doesn't it?

[LisaM]

15. A crucifix? I didn't think Protestants wore those.

I thought Catholics were the only ones who did (I used to wear one sometimes because my town was almost all Protestant and I didn't want them to think I was).

[Kerrytravelers]

16. A crucifix is a Catholic symbol. I'm Catholic and we have several.

So, if she's a Protestant and wears a crucifix, which, personally, doesn't bother me one bit, she may just wear it because she likes it. And, I've heard Democrats say Democrat Party. I know it's a slur, but some people just misspeak or don't realize what they're saying.

I'm more concerned about her doing her job by objectively covering the news. Or, if she is what is referred to as "talking meat" or a "page reader" (.e. the people who read off the teleprompters- at least, when I was in J-School this is what they were called,) I doubt she's doing too much of her own thinking anyway. :rofl:

[Strawman]

17. I'd object to her bias, but not her wardrobe

[Norquist Nemesis]

18. Meh on the necklace. When she starts or ends with "let us pray"

I'd be ready to storm the studio, though. Publicly declaring her religion is perfectly within her right, IMO. The question is whether the station would also allow another religion to be publicly declared through their beliefs regarding strict dresscodes...say, a Muslim. And whether the station actively recruits one religion while discrimating against others in its hiring practices.

If I saw evidence of belief-speak creeping in to the news casts (and I'd be watching for it), then I'd be doing some digging and asking questions.

[WI_DEM]

20. I care more about "democrat party" comment than the cross.

[wryter2000]

23. "Democrat party" is bigger to me, too.

I don't want to dictate what she wears, but I wouldn't feel really good looking at it if it appeared to be a STATEMENT. I'd probably switch channels and leave it at that.

[chaska]

33. But don't the two go together?

The cross and the "Democrat Party" thing? Is she saying I'd rather be working for Fox "news", but I'm stuck in this podunk town. I'm gonna support my "president" loud(ly) and proud(ly) whether you like it or not.

Have we ever seen another newsperson wear a cross?

[hfojvt]

70. why should the two go together?

A large number of Democratics are also self-declared Christians.

[HeeBGBz]

85. Could someone explain to me why

Democrat Party is so taboo? Rather than Democratic? It just seems like semantics to me, but if there is some hidden agenda/meaning behind it, I'd like to know.

[Demobrat]

22. Its her right to wear what she likes.

And your right to change the channel. If she wants to turn off viewers its her problem.

[Lilith Velkor]

24. I have no problem whatsoever with religious jewelry or clothing.

People can wear whatever they want, as long as they don't bother anybody.

[liberalEd]

25. Most local news stinks anyway

What she wears is up to her and her employer. I would find something else to watch.

[graywarrior]

26. Like I should give a shit

:rofl: :rofl:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

27. I Think Some People's Gripes Are Getting Pettier And Pettier.

There is absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever with any newscaster wearing any jewlery they wish, as long as it is within broadcasting guidelines.

I find the premise that it is somehow inappropriate for a newscaster to sport a cross to be beyond ridiculous. I cease to find any logic within it whatsoever.

[Horse with no Name]

28. I don't have a problem with it

It's jewelry.
Now, if she tattooed it on her forehead...

[hedgehog]

29. If she was wearing a hajab, would you be defending minority rights?

In other words, are you objecting to her display of her beliefs or just her beliefs?

[Rosemary2205]

34. What you said.

Since you put it better than I was going to I'll just meee too on yours. :)

[chaska]

49. As I stated in the OP...

I don't have a problem with her beliefs.

I refer you to post 41.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

30. I Betcha She's A Repub

Before people start flaming me, judging from what was said about her background, and involvement with the churches, I'd say she is not just a regular christian wearing a cross. Were that the case, I'd say no big deal.

I bet it's not long before she brings her political slant and bias to the news stories. If she doesn't, that's fine, but it's getting harder and harder these days for reporters/broadcasters to keep their views to themselves, and not show on the air which side they're really on.

And while I don't have a problem with a small cross or a small star of david, etc., the more noticable and obvious it is, the less I'm impressed. Almost like she's wearing it to get noticed. You're on the news, so maintain a little stature.

[Skittles]

31. it is not appropriate

I don't want to see religious atifacts displayed on the news - it does not belong there

[tanyev]

32. Look her up on opensecrets.org and see if she's a big GOP donor.

[BlueJac]

37. turn the channel

[Emit]

38. Let's not crucify her for wearing a cross...

Now, otoh, for using the word 'Democrat' incorrectly, that's another issue entirely -- keep on her 'bout that one. :evilgrin:

[chaska]

39. Wow, is this DU??? (to no one in particular)

Some of you people don't have a clue. Can you read? I said that she has already shown evidence of political bias: "Democrat party". I'm wondering if this is further evidence.

I could care less what kind of jewelry she wears, but I can't recall ever seeing another newperson wear a large religious symbol around her neck before.

I don't want to be concerned that I'm getting my news from some fundy. It's the same reason I don't watch Fox news.

Thank you to the ones that get it. The rest of you can kiss my ass.

[Rosemary2205]

42. I doubt the local talking head is choosing your local news.

I live in a very big market (Atlanta) where the local talking heads often end up with national news agencies. Some have their own hour long specials with big time celebs and politicians even. But even they do not have the power to filter what news is reported or how it is reported.

At best, a fundie could feel comfortable being openly fundie at work because the entire organization leans fundie and the producers already filter the news fundie style. I have no idea if that is the case with this news station but watching a different local newscast is possible. Yes?

[chaska]

44. As you probably know, Columbia SC, is very conservative...

So yes, I am concerned about the political leanings of this station.

AND, I don't have or want cable, and having just moved into this place I don't yet have an antena, and may not get one. I get one channel.

I don't watch much TV. One channel is all I need.

[spoony]

60. ...

Many people say "Democrat" for the party name and it doesn't always point to an intentional coded slight. Then people point out that it's her right to wear a cross and you tell them to kiss your ass. What did you want? A whole thread full of "OMG that's so wrong! Call that station! She should be fired!"

Watch whatever news you want, but it wouldn't hurt to get a fucking grip.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

66. Hey,

I'd kiss your ass, but I've tasted your bullshit already and am declining further invitation. :rofl:

[hfojvt]

71. you did not say that it was further evidence

you said something more like a public display of Christianity is offensive to you somehow. That no Christian could possibly be a Democratic is not obvious to me anyway although you seem to take it as a given.

[pdrichards114]

40. To quote the late, great, BILL HICKS

A lot of Christians wear crosses around their necks. Do you think when Jesus comes back, he's really going to want to see a fucking cross? Ow! Maybe that's why he hasn't shown up yet...it's like going up to Jackie Onassis wearing a sniper rifle pendant... Just thinking of John, Jackie. We love him. Trying to keep that memory alive, baby. I did that routine in Fyffe, Alabama, and after the show these three rednecks came up to me. 'Hey, buddy! C'mere! Hey Mr. Comedian! C'mere! Hey buddy, we're Christians and we don't like what you said!' I said 'Well, then forgive me.' Later, as I was hanging from the tree..."

Bill Hicks

[CrispyQ]

46. I have not heard of Bill Hicks.

That was damned funny!!

:rofl:

[Warren DeMontague]

47. Oh my god. He was a genius.

And sorely, sadly missed today.

http://www.billhicks.com/

[pdrichards114]

50. Bill Hicks was not only a comedian, but a social commentator.

He described himself onetime as "Noam Chomsky with Dick Jokes."

Check out

One Night Stand (VHS, 1991 / DVD, 2002)

Arizona Bay (1997)
Rant in E-Minor (1997)

He died in '94 of pancreatic cancer. RIP

[marions ghost]

41. Not an easy question because

everyone wants to support freedom of expression.

But the bottom line to me is that the cross has now become a political statement. It is not just an expression of Christianity--it is undeniably linked with conservative politics. The Christian cross now symbolizes a whole body of narrow thinking that many of us have come to reject, similar to the Confederate flag in that sense. The cross as a religious symbol has been abused--used for gaining political power and starting wars--not something Jesus would have gone along with.

So for that reason, a newscaster should not wear one. Nor should a teacher in public schools, and people in public service jobs should also be discreet with it. I don't think anyone objects to a small cross worn on a chain. But if it is big enough to be the first thing you notice, it's become a display of one's political affiliations. It's just not smart to risk offending a lot of viewers when you are in a "neutral" capacity in your job.

[chaska]

43. Thank you, MG. You described exactly the problem I'm trying to suss out.

[DearAbby]

51. It is not a religious issue.

We fall right into the trap...We should separate the religion and politics. They will then have successfully hijacked the Christian title. You are willing to concede it.

The argument should be unbiased reporting. If there is to be complaints, have it based on that. Not what she is wearing, or in her opinion, her fashion statement.

[marions ghost]

54. We live in a world of symbols, icons, code....

the average person "reads" these almost subliminally.

I merely observe that Fundies have successfully hijacked the cross. I don't think it's a matter of concession. It is fact. Otherwise, why would we even be discussing it?

Moderate Christians will have to distinguish themselves with another symbol or modification of the cross somehow. Otherwise they cannot escape the taint--the politicizing of Christian symbols by Fundamentalists. There is not much that can be done to reverse the situation--just like you can't sell the Confederate flag or the swastika as a neutral symbol anymore.

If you want to reduce the cross to a "fashion statement"...well that's not exactly reclaiming it.

[AlienGirl]

57. Is the same true of a Star of David, or a Pentacle?

[marions ghost]

72. I doubt that

a Star of David or a Pentacle would ever be displayed in a blatantly visible way by a newscaster. Both have been used as negative symbols historically. Jews have been persecuted and Pagan spiritualists have been persecuted. It would not be viewed as a plus. Nor would it be professional in a newsmedia
context.

These symbols you refer to do not parallel the political ramifications of the Cross today. It has become symbolic of The "Christian Right"--the most powerful religious body ever to influence a US government, it's pretty safe to say. This abuse has led to the violation of the separation of church and state. It's unrealistic to think that the Cross as a symbol has not become tainted by this.

[DearAbby]

45. I am an atheist

And I have no problem with what people wear. If her reporting is fair and accurate, that is what is important. People can separate their lives with their spiritual lives. Majority of the Democratic Party are faith based people, yet handle it just fine, and I bet some of them wear symbols of their faith.

:shrug: Whats the problem?

[marions ghost]

52. the problem is that the cross

is no longer just a "symbol of faith"--esp when it is large enough to get a reaction. The cross is now a controversial symbol because it has been appropriated by fundamentalists with a distinct political agenda. (The swastika used to be a religious symbol too).

Maybe there's still time for the cross to be reclaimed but not if it's being used as political code.

[spoony]

61. Nice.

Comparing the cross to the swastika. Classy.

[marions ghost]

63. If the Far Right has its way,

the cross could go the way of the swastika. Easily. I said I didn't think it was quite there yet but that is the danger. Religious symbols that are used for political gain can be compared.

-------------

http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swastika/a/swastikahistory.htm

What Does the Swastika Mean Now?

There is a great debate as to what the swastika means now. For 3,000 years, the swastika meant life and good luck. But because of the Nazis, it has also taken on a meaning of death and hate.

These conflicting meanings are causing problems in today's society. For Buddhists and Hindus, the swastika is a very religious symbol that is commonly used. Chirag Badlani shares a story about one time when he went to make some photocopies of some Hindu Gods for his temple. While standing in line to pay for the photocopies, some people behind him in line noticed that one of the pictures had a swastika. They called him a Nazi.

Unfortunately, the Nazis were so effective at their use of the swastika emblem, that many do not even know any other meaning for the swastika. Can there be two completely opposite meanings for one symbol?
(snip)

[johnnie]

53. What would be your reaction if...

If your newscaster was a Hindu and was wearing a turban?

[marions ghost]

55. I don't associate turbans

with politics in a negative sense. So therefore it doesn't offend me. However the cross has been appropriated by The Religious Right, which does offend me. "Right" has a definite political meaning. It is unfortunate, but I don't see how you change it back to a neutral meaning.

[johnnie]

56. I understand that

But the problem is, not all Christians are part of the Religious Right. Chances are you are correct in this particular newscaster, but I see no difference in the newscaster wearing the cross or a Hindu wearing a turban as far as their religious beliefs are concerned.

[marions ghost]

62. Right

there's no difference as far as religious beliefs are concerned between turbans, crosses, headscarves, Star of David...whatever. If people want to display their religious persuasion, OK.

But a NEWScaster should represent political neutrality, objectivity. I realize this might seem old-fashioned, but in a era of extreme media bias, the avoidance of overt association with political groups is important.

There are many jobs where one does not have complete freedom of dress. There are many concessions made in the spirit of community. People today are so worried about losing their freedom of expression--I think this is why they argue that's it's fine to go around offending. Shows how downtrodden we have become. But to think this is real freedom is an illusion.

[DearAbby]

58. If we do not make it an issue...then neither can they n/t

[marions ghost]

64. THEY

are already making it an issue...not us.

Did you notice the "War on Christmas" media campaign?

[DearAbby]

80. And we played right into it

..by debating it. Giving it attention. It is a destraction tactic. If we continue, we may as well concede it.

[marions ghost]

88. that response

didn't get John Kerry very far when he was swiftboated. Sometimes you have to know when to fight back, in order to neutralize the situation.

If Christians want to retain the Cross as a neutral religious symbol, they'd better hurry up and defend that position. It has ALREADY been hijacked for political purposes, is all I'm saying. When people start to have strong aversions to seeing your religious symbol, there IS something wrong. I think it's best to meet those challenges head-on, instead of hoping they'll go away if enough people pretend it's not happening.

[bluewave]

59. I don't mind. As long as it isn't distracting or unprofessional.

A small cross, crescent moon, star of david, etc. If it turns into WWJD pins, head phylacteries, and burqas, that's crossing the line to unprofessional.

[seabeyond]

67. leave her alone. let her wear her cross in peace. n/t

[QMPMom]

68. Who the heck cares? It's realy no ones business what she

wears or does in her spare time.

[Bill McBlueState]

86. but it's not her spare time -- she's on the news!

That doesn't necessarily mean it should be our business, but it's certainly not her spare time we're talking about.

[eagler]

69. I have no problem with it and to have a problem with it is IMHO

discrimination.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

74. She wears a depiction of torture around her neck on TV.. Great.....(sarcasm)

If it's a big cross, or a crucifix I have a problem with it.

I would not belong to a religion whose symbol is a man being tortured on a torture device.
In fact it is NOT a symbol. It's an ACTUAL DEPICTION OF TORTURE.

As Lenny Bruce said, "Well, if Jesus had lived in the 20th century, and been electrocuted, would Christians be wearing little electric chairs around their necks?".

Good question. Christianity is all about affirming death, not life.

If she's a newscaster, I think strictly speaking she should wear NO religious symbols on the air.

[youthere]

78. No cross. No crucifix. No hijab. No yarmulkas. No Stars of David.

No pentagrams. No Celtic knotwork or zodiac symbols. No Omkars, Lotus Flowers, or Star and Crecents.Also no more ying/yang. Okay.

What about colors? Are you okay with colors? There's an awful lot of religious symbolism in colors. No red. No white. No black. And certainly no purple.

A lot of metals have religious symbolism as well, I guess that has to go as well. No jewelry of any kind. No zippers, clip, hooks or snaps. They'll have to get their fillings pulled as well.

Numbers have a lot of religious significance so we'll have to stop that as well. No wristwatches for the anchorpeople. They'll have to be banned from announcing the date, the number of casualties or the basketball scores.
The next time Oprah wears her large crystal O on her show I plan to write a very strongly worded letter because how DARE she try to shove ATHEISM down people's throat!!!! Because, after all, don't some atheists use the circle to symbolize their own "not belief" (not sure what the term is)?:sarcasm:

The newscaster has the right to wear any piece of jewelry she damn well pleases so long as her employer doesn't object. And you have the right to turn the channel.

[Bill McBlueState]

75. newscasters should try to appear impartial

Making one's choice of religion obvious, whether by wearing a hijab or a cross, calls into question one's ability to remain objective. I don't really care whether the woman sitting across from me on the bus is objective, but I expect objectivity from a newscaster.

Obviously the woman has the *right* to wear whatever she wants, as long as it's consistent with her employer's guidelines. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't matter what she wears.

[Madspirit]

76. wondering

**Subsequently, I went to station's website and saw that she is a sunday school teacher (Southern Baptist ... shriek, horror!), sings in the choir, and travels the state to speak at other churches.**


My post leads to a question...
I am an atheist and do get awfully tired of religion in my face. On one hand, it was an item of jewelry, not something hanging on the wall behind her and I wouldn't want someone to tell me what jewelry I can wear. On the other hand, it is jewelry with a message. If I had a small gold broach that said "Leftist Socialist Lesbian" would that be OK? So I don't know how I feel about a public figure wearing jewelry with a message, on a politically neutral show. Hmmm.

I do have a liberal Unitarian friend who wears a small gold cross. So I have a question. You say you further investigated the woman and found out all the stuff you list above. If instead of finding that, you had found out that she is a liberal Unitarian who just likes religious jewelry, would it still have offended you? Just wondering.
Madspirit

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

77. I know what you mean

I have seen more people here at work ware them proudly since 9/11. Before 9/11, there was something I didn't like about one man, Ya think he "came out of the closet" so to speak.

[Hekate]

81. Keep an ear on how she presents the news, not so much on what she wears

I politely call the viewer comment line of our ABC affiliate whenever one of the local newscasters strays too far from neutrality and objectivity. I finally got dear Debbie to stop calling our Planned Parenthood affiliate "an abortion clinic." (Abortions represent maybe 5% of their business; the rest of what they do prevents abortions from ever being needed, and that includes good prenatal care.)

It probably would be better if your newscaster's religious jewelry were more discreet -- whatever happened to the tiny gold cross at the throat? -- but I'd be more concerned about what comes out of her mouth.

Keep up the good work by letting your station know that you are paying attention.

Hekate

[BoneDaddy]

82. I think it is her right to do so

I may disagree with it, but at the very least we know where she stands if she wears her Christianity as a badge.

[aquaman]

83. A few do that in my area...

all of the time. Does not bother me and I am not a church going person. It's not like they are singing the praises of this God or that God on TV. I could care less.

[Thothmes]

84. Local newscaster

I have no problem with it. She breaks no law that I am aware of by wearing a cross around her neck.
Trying to prevent that may violate the 1st amendment to the Constitution

[Bill McBlueState]

87. but nobody asked whether she's breaking the law...

From the OP:

I'm not sure if it's appropriate for a newcaster to be declaring her religion publicly...

Not, "I'm not sure if it's legal..."

It's a question of whether a newscaster can maintain professional neutrality while proclaiming her religion. Not whether she's constitutionally or legally empowered to do so.

[QC]

89. My opinion is that you have way, way too much time on your hands. n/t

[k_jerome]

92. now this is funny. nt.