The Auburn University in Alabama has come under fire from a group of atheists who are seeking the removal of the university's football team chaplain for having sparked a "tremendous spiritual revival" in the team.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) pointed out in a statement that "players are getting baptised, carrying around Bibles and wearing wooden cross necklaces" since Auburn Tigers' chaplain Chette Williams was appointed by former head coach Tommy Tuberville in 1999.
The group claimed that Williams' position is unconstitutional and promotes religious discrimination. It also alleged that Christian chaplaincies in public university football programs like at Auburn are illegal.
In a letter to University President Jay Gogue, the FFRF said, "It makes no difference if the chaplain is unofficial, not school-sponsored, or a volunteer, because chaplains are given access to the team as a means for coaches to impose religion, usually Christianity, on their players."
"Under the circumstances, the chaplain's actions are attributable to the university and those actions are unconstitutional," it said.
The FFRF noted that Williams has baptised close to 50 players of the team. FFRF Co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor said her group opposes this. "No student athlete should be baptised as part of a public university sports programme, or be put in the position of feeling they have to pray to play. We find the lack of sunlight at Auburn shocking," she said.
Williams stoutly defended his role in the team, saying in a statement that he has been working hard to motivate the players by leading them in prayer, noting the impact the routine had on the field.
"I never realised the impact of the players' private moments of prayer on the field until a freshman running back stood up in front of the team in the prayer room in 2006 and said, 'You were my heroes in high school. I watched y'all every week, and my teammates and I imitated you on the field with hookups going onto the field and praying after you scored a touchdown,'" Williams said.
The group behind the Auburn War Wagon is supporting Williams. "We stand with Rev. Chette Williams, who serves as the team chaplain and thank him for all he does! Recently, the Freedom From Religion Foundation asked Auburn to remove the chaplain. The War Wagon wants to show its support for a man who stands firm in his faith and helps others while doing so," the group posted on its Facebook page, calling Williams "War Eagle Brother Chette."
