Conffederate
Confederate

May 29, 2008

Marine Removed From Duty For Proselytizing in Fallujah

From Multi-National Force – West PAO, via email:

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Coalition force service member was removed from his duties today amid concerns from Fallujah's citizens regarding reports of inappropriate conduct.

Multi-National Force - West initiated an investigation into reports that a coin with a Bible verse written in Arabic was distributed to Iraqi citizens as they passed through a Fallujah entry control point. If the allegation is substantiated, appropriate action will be taken.

"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices," said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I spokesman, "and our troops are trained on those guidelines before they deploy."

"This has our full attention," said Col. James L. Welsh, chief of staff, Multi-National Force - West. "We deeply value our relationship with the local citizens and share their concerns over this serious incident."

This was reported earlier today by McClatchy, but quite frankly, when a news organization runs items under the tagline "truth to power," by an author also published by al Jazeera, I like to get confirmation first. I've got a request in for more details on this, and will update again if they have additional information.

Posted by Confederate Yankee at May 29, 2008 02:49 PM
Comments

If McClatchy said it, I'd pitch it.

If they said the San Joaquin Delta has water in it--I'd go check.

Posted by: Larry Sheldon at May 29, 2008 03:40 PM

"Marines Fear Only God-No Others"..Sgt. Grit bumper sticker...if a U.S. Marine handed out such a coin, then as Teddy Roosevelt would say,BULLY" in other words FANTASTIC. No matter how much mainstream media, Liberal Amerika tries to remove God from our society, courageous folks pop up on their own. You can take the Marine out of Christ's Chapel but you can't take Christ out the Marine. That's a little bit convoluted, but you get the idea. Semper Fi! Do or Die!

Posted by: Michael H Boyce at May 29, 2008 06:44 PM

This is pretty boneheaded if true. Lets see one of these coins, shall we? But that said, there is no reason a Christian should not proseletyze in Iraq but it just is not within the soldier's duties. Islam is spread here in the West. Why should potential jihadis be denied the grace of the Gospel? Seems like something that should be encouraged, just not practiced by government functionaries.

Posted by: megapotamus at May 30, 2008 11:40 AM