Clashing Over Church Ritual and Flag Protocol at the Naval Academy Chapel

[GreatAmerican]

<p>Debate rekindled over long tradition at Sunday services</p>

<p>[Academy</a> resumes dipping U.S. flag – baltimoresun.com](<a href=“http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-te.md.academy11mar11,0,6205509.story]Academy”>http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-te.md.academy11mar11,0,6205509.story)</p>

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Midshipmen are again dipping the American flag before the altar cross at Sunday services at the Naval Academy chapel, restoring a tradition that supporters say shows reverence but that critics say violates the separation of church and state.</p>

<p>Chaplains at the academy suspended the practice in October after questions were raised by Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler, who became the superintendent in June. After some congregants and alumni criticized the move, academy officials relented - a move that one critic called “an amazing act of cowardice.”…

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