An atheist group attacked an Alabama sheriff for allegedly “using tragedy to promote” prayer, but the sheriff is not backing down.
Atheist group
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is a self-described “nonprophet nonprofit” atheist group based in Wisconsin. The group monitors and publicizes activities in the community which go against atheism, agnosticism, and skepticism.
Alabama Sheriff accused
Recently, they went after Alabama Sheriff Nick Smith after he urged everyone to pray in the wake of two tragedies. Those tragedies were the recent death of Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams and a tragedy involving a young boy and a sheriff’s deputy.
In the letter of complaint written by FFRF associate counsel Sam Grover, the Walker County sheriff allegedly disregarded the Constitution.
“The issue here is that the sheriff’s office has a pattern of using a tragedy to promote the idea of prayer and our letter reminds the sheriff, not everyone in Walker County prayers or believes in the same religion,” Sam wrote in a letter.
Constitutional laws and controversy
However, the Walker County Sheriff’s public information officer T.J. Armstrong, said that they are confident that they haven’t violated any Constitutional laws.
“Our response is going to be to continue to do the best we can,” T.J. Armstrong said. “We have never once received a single complaint.”
The Sheriff’s office was shocked to receive the complaint letter but that won’t stop them from being open about their faith. When asked if they would change anything after the FFRF complaint, they firmly said no.
“It’s very implicit, no,” T.J. Armstrong said. “We’re not looking for a fight. However, we will not cower down, especially when it comes to our individual faith.”
The Sheriff’s office said they would pray for the FFRF and continue to serve the people.
“We have far bigger things to do… So we’re going to pray for them and continue to serve and protect the people of Walker County, Alabama, and that’s what Sheriff Smith was elected to do.”
Read also: Florida Sheriff Refuses To Remove ‘In God We Trust’ Decal After Atheists Complained
Reference: Fox News