The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Why online post by sheriff has drawn complaints.
Organization says Facebook posts by office are ‘divisive.’
A well-known non-profit organization has accused the Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office of promoting Christi- anity on its Facebook page.
The Freedom From Reli- gion Foundation sent Sher- iff Frank Reynolds a letter Oct. 19 that alleged his office used “divisive religious promotion” on occasional posts.
Reynolds posted the letter in full Thursday on his Face- book page. As of Friday after- noon, his post had amassed more than 100 shares and 250 comments.
Sam Grover, associate counsel for the Wiscon- sin-based FFRF, wrote the letter, which specifically made mention of two posts from Memorial Day and Peace Officers Memorial Day. Grover said a “concerned Cherokee County citizen” contacted the non- profit about the posts.
A post on May 15 quoted the Bible verse Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemak- ers for they shall be called the children of God.”
The May 28 post featured a photo with Christian crosses honoring soldiers killed in combat.
Reynolds was not able to comment to AJC.com about the letter, but he did email a statement that said:
“The Cherokee Sheriff ’s Office makes every effort not to ostracize any particular person or group regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation or national origin. The claim by the ‘Freedom from Reli- gion Foundation’ is noted. However, our community is overwhelmingly supportive of the Cherokee Sher- iff’s Office and I am honored to serve as their elected Sheriff.”
The FFRF letter also said, “The importance of honoring those who have died serving in the military or as peace officers cannot be overstated ... but with Veterans Day fast approaching, it’s important for your office to recognize that honoring those who have served does not override the Sheriff ’s Office’s constitutional obligation not to promote one religion over others.”
According to the letter, the FFRF works to “protect the constitutional separation between state and church and to educate the public on matters related to non-theism.”