A North Carolina sheriff is rejecting calls from an atheist organization to remove a Bible verse from an office wall, saying in a social media post, “We need more Jesus.”
At issue is a Bible verse featured prominently on an office wall of the Columbus County Sheriff’s office. The verse – Philippians 4:13, reads, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” – is displayed on the wall in black letters. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, in a letter to Sheriff Jody Greene, asked him to remove the verse, arguing that it violates the U.S. Constitution.
The Bible verse, the group asserted, “alienates” the citizens in the country who are not religious. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) calls itself an organization of “atheists, agnostics and skeptics of any pedigree.”
In a Facebook post, Greene said he will not remove the verse, which he said has helped encourage and inspire members of law enforcement.
He wrote — “The verse is one of my favorite Bible verses, and it seemed fitting for all the adversity I have had to endure. It is very motivational to me and my staff. Here at the Sheriff’s Office, we work hard in everything that we do. Before we execute a search warrant, or any service that puts our people in immediate harm’s way, we ALWAYS go to the Lord with a group prayer. ALWAYS!”
Referencing overdoses, drugs and violence within the country, Greene added, “We need more Jesus and less politics.”
Greene also wrote – “I would like to thank the folks for all the phone calls and messages of support,”. … I will not waiver on my stance and Christian beliefs.”