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Washington, DC -- Congressman David Davis has publicly denounced the actions of the Architect of the Capitol for removing ‘God’ from flag certificates requested by taxpayers.
“Recently, I have learned of several congressional offices whose constituents have had their requests for flag certificates censored by the acting Architect of the Capitol, Mr. Stephen T. Ayers,” Congressman David Davis said. “He has informed several congressional offices that the use of the word ‘God’ violates the Architect’s rules prohibiting religious references on flag certificates.
“For example, flag dedication requests that read, “for the love of God, family, and Country” have been denied. These certificates have been returned with the word “God” censored, and read only “for the love of family and Country.” A second section which was removed from the certificate was “in the year of our Lord”, another document in which you will find the phrase ‘in the year of our Lord” is our U.S. Constitution.
“This censorship is unconscionable. The Architect is the custodian of the Capitol. Our Nation’s Capitol contains many religious references including “In God we Trust” inscribed in both the House and Senate Chambers. The Architect’s policy prohibiting “God” from appearing on certificates for flags flown over the US capitol puts at risk our religious freedoms and our American heritage.
“The Architect’s policy is in direct conflict with his charge as well as the scope of his office and brings into question his ability to preserve a building containing many national religious symbols.
“To guard against this atrocious act, I have joined fellow colleagues in support of H.R. 3779 which will reverse the Architect of the Capitol’s current policy prohibiting the inclusion of religious references on the flag certificates for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.
“The Capitol contains many religious references including “In God We Trust” inscribed directly above the Speaker’s chair in the House Chamber. Additionally, God is referenced in the oath that Members recite when sworn into office. “In God We Trust” is printed on our currency, and clearly referenced in the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents. We must not allow the Architect’s policy to stand, and put our religious freedoms and heritage at risk.”
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