I received notification that the Washington Nationals suspended volunteer chaplain, Moeller for a “conversation” with outfielder Ryan Church.  They were accused of using “hate speech” against Jews.  According to the American Family Association:

“Church asked Moeller a question about Jesus and salvation. "I said, like, Jewish people, they don't believe in Jesus. Does that mean they're doomed?" Church asked.

Volunteer chaplain Moeller simply nodded his head in agreement. For his "religiously incorrect" thinking—even if it was simply a nod of the head—Moeller was suspended.

Church had to issue an apology for asking the question and the Nationals suspended volunteer chaplain, Moeller.  Evidently it is “religiously incorrect” for Christians to voice (or nod) salvation through Christ alone.  I wasn't in the locker room that day but it appears that this was a conversation between these two about their faith.  Would we say that a Jewish person was spewing “hate speech” if he said Jesus wasn't the Christ and that all of us Gentiles were “doomed”?  Of course not because we're supposed to have freedom of religion AND freedom of speech.  I don't believe the way in which these two were discussing their faith was breeding any sort of hate or action against any group of people.  “Christ alone” is a basic tenet of the Christian faith and I can't imagine having a chaplain who would tell you otherwise.

The Washington Post article on this is hardly unbiased.  After all, what have we come to expect from the post?  The Nationals set a huge precedent by taking the action they did.  All that needed be said was, “said comments were not out of hate but the individuals involved were exercising their rights to discuss their faith.  The statements made by said individuals do not represent the views of the Washington Nationals baseball team but we do recognize their right to their beliefs as we would with any other religion.”  Where's the “embrace all kinds” attitude when Christian's rights are threatened?

And why, pray tell, were these religious leaders/counselors allowed in the locker room in the first place?  It wasn't for their baseball tips!  What do the Nationals expect?  Should the chaplain have said, “I'm sorry son, I can't answer that question here.  Let me give you my home number, the line is encrypted so no one can eavesdrop and we'll be safe then to discuss our faith.”  My goodness - I thought this was AMERICA!  Land of the free?

If anyone should be issuing an apology it should be the Washington Nationals.  They handled this poorly.  There are ways to address this “blown way out of proportion” incident that wouldn't include jumping on the Christians.