Augusta VA won't let carolers sing religious songs

This will sound strange coming from me, but I agree with this rule. There is a reason that may not be obvious to many. It is the relationship veterans have with God and Christ that needs to be respected. Not all of them feel loved by anyone, including God and not all of them have a relationship with or want any part of the Trinity. Their feelings and beliefs have to be respected as much as those who practice the Christian faith.

I did not fully understand this until I had gone to Walter Reed a few years back with a backpack full of Christian gifts for the wounded servicemembers. My tour guide informed me of what I could give directly to the patients and what had to be delivered by the hospital Chaplain. I respected the decision.

I have talked to veteran-believers and it is easier for me to just talk about faith. It is harder when they tell me they believe in God and Christ but had left the church many years ago. Even harder is when they have no faith in anything or anyone. I have to work with them where they are spiritually on a case by case basis. It would do more harm than good to cross that line.

So even something as simple as Christmas songs can bring an emotional price for some to pay.

I don't think they need to hear Holy Night to see they are loved in the eyes of the people who came to visit them. I don't think they need to hear Away in a Manger to know they matter to someone. Part of healing has to come slowly for some but the greatest gift we can give them is to just spend time with them and let them know someone cares.

Augusta VA won't let carolers sing religious songs
By WESLEY BROWNMORRIS NEWS SERVICE
December 24, 2013

The angels will not be heard on high, nor will the little Lord Jesus sleep in heavenly peace at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center.

The Augusta hospital announced Monday that it’s taking a stricter stance on its policy banning carolers from singing religious Christmas music in public patient areas.

Last week, the facility prevented a group of high school students from Augusta’s Alleluia Community School from singing to its veterans a number of traditional holiday tunes that honor and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, such as Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful.

“Military service veterans, male and female, represent people of all faiths,” hospital spokesman Brian Rothwell said in a statement. “It is out of respect for every faith that The Veterans Administration gives clear guidance on what ‘spiritual care’ is to be given and who is to give it.”

Alleluia Community School Principal Dan Funsch said he was sad to hear that the Veterans Affairs hospital’s “spiritual care” grants holiday exemption only to Frosty, Rudolph and the secular characters that make up the 12 Days of Christmas.

“This is not a religious proselytizing, evangelistic issue,” said Funsch, arguing that Christmas songs are broadcast during the holidays on area radio stations and in local retail outlets. “The song Joy to the World is as much a part of the holiday spirit as the Christmas tree.”
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