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The war in Iraq is not a crusade. Trying to make it into one is hurting your mission. Your job is not to proselytize to the Iraqis.
A U.S. Marine in Iraq has been removed from duty amid complaints that he was handing out coins with Bible verses at an American checkpoint, the military said Thursday.
A military spokesman said Iraqis in Falluja complained that the Marine was giving the coins, which were printed in Arabic, to people at an entry control point in Falluja.
U.S. military regulations prohibit religious proselytizing.
“This has our full attention,” said Col. James L. Welsh, chief of staff of Multi-National Force, West. “We deeply value our relationship with the local citizens and share their concerns over this serious incident.”
At least one of the coins is stamped with the words “Where will you spend eternity?” according to a report published Thursday by McClatchy Newspapers.
The other side of the coin reportedly contains a verse from John 3:16 that reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Several Falluja residents said they were given the coins over a two-day period and complained that U.S. troops, whom they consider foreign occupiers, were acting as Christian missionaries.
“Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices,” said Col. Bill Buckner, a coalition spokesman. “Our troops are trained on those guidelines before they deploy.”
A military statement said “appropriate action” will be taken if the reports are substantiated.
Spewings from a half literate Atheist, drunk, food whore with a penchant for obnoxious ranting and the occasional bit of music info.
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