Ft. Bragg Christian Concert Draws Church-State Objections

"Rock the Fort", a festival of Christian music and other activities, apparently went on as scheduled yesterday at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina despite a call by Americans United for the Army to cancel the event.  In a letter to the Secretary of the Army (full text), AU argued: " 'Rock the Fort' is not an event designed to minister to the needs of soldiers unable to otherwise access religious services; rather, it is an event designed to proselytize soldiers and community members into the worship of Jesus Christ. The Army has, thus, overstepped the constitutional line by sponsoring the event." According to yesterday's Fayetteville (NC) Observer, the event, sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, is for the first time open to the public who live off the Army base. (BGEA press release). Area Christian churches are helping with the event.  While Rock the Fort concerts have been held at other military bases, this one garnered particular attention as CNN covered the plans. Responding to objections also raised by the Freedom from Religion Foundation (press release and letter to Commander), Ft. Bragg's commander says he has taken steps to assure that no soldier is pressured to attend the event.