Denver, USA - The Air Force has sent a new statement of corps values warning commanders against using their positions to advance their religious beliefs after criticism of religious intolerance at the Air Force Academy.
"From an Air Force perspective, one of the reasons we did that is because we are taking what is happening at the Air Force Academy seriously," Air Force spokeswoman Jennifer Stephens said.
A task force under Lt. Gen. Roger Brady spent several days at the academy two weeks ago looking into allegations that Jews and others who are not born-again Christians were harassed by evangelical Christians.
The statement, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, was sent to all major commands Tuesday.
"Climate surveys at our Air Force Academy have pointed out instances where respect may be lacking or where declaring one's religious beliefs may be perceived as imposing on others. Commanders must be alert to the issue of religious respect throughout our Air Force," the introduction said. It was signed by Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff.
"I think that speaks for the fact that they are beginning to recognize that they have a problem and that it isn't just at the academy and there needs to be some clarity," said Capt. MeLinda Morton, an Air Force Academy chaplain who says she was fired for criticizing the power of evangelicals at the academy.
Brady's report will be released later. In the meantime, the Air Force asked the Department of Defense to look into whether Morton was demoted as executive officer in the chaplaincy and ordered transferred to Okinawa for her viewpoints.
Morton said she was concerned that the new statement leaves the decision to the "best judgment" of commanders she believes have been going over the line. Academy critics have focused on the No. 2 officer, Brig. Gen. Johnny Weida, a born-again Christian they say has pushed his views in e-mails and public appearances.