The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation has routinely made the Christian faith shared by most Alabamians the focus of lawsuits against small towns, school systems and the state itself.
This time, just days before Christmas, their most recent demand is over “snacks and water” at Southside High School in Etowah County.
According to the out-of-state atheist group, “A concerned Etowah County Schools community member has informed the state/church watchdog that the district has been soliciting religious organizations to proselytize and attempt to convert its students in exchange for donations.”
“It is our understanding that wrestling coaches at Southside High School and Rainbow Middle School have sent letters to local churches offering them the opportunity to proselytize and convert students in exchange for water and granola bars,” an attorney for the FFRF wrote in a letter to the Superintendent of Etowah County Schools.
They called the practice “disturbing” and demanded it be stopped at once.
State Sen. Greg Reed says he fundamentally disagrees.
“Churches are an essential part of the fabric of our communities across Alabama,” Reed (R-Jasper) said in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “Even more importantly, they are the means by which the Gospel is preached and places where we worship God.
“This week we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him goes all the praise and all the glory. That should be our focus, and it should not be interrupted by out-of-state groups trying to push faith out of our lives and the lives of our children.”
In addition to representing Jasper in the State Senate, Reed serves as the President Pro Tem. He added, “We need more children, not less, to hear the good news of God’s saving grace.”
In September, the same group attacked Auburn University for the role three of its coaches — including Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze — played in the “Unite Auburn” event, during which hundreds of students were baptized.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.