The virulent anti-Christian Freedom From Religion Foundation is attacking the police chief of Birmingham, Alabama because of his participating with a group that prays in the most crime-ridden sections of town.

Chief A.C. Roper, who is an ordained minister, is assisting a group called Prayer Force United.  The group consists of the chief, members of the force, area churches and local residents.  The goal of the group is to bring faith-based activities to parts of the community that have been negatively impacted by crime.

The anti-Christianists are demanding that the chief no longer participate in the events unless he makes sure to remove any reference to his position as a leader in the police department.  The group claims that his participation in the events and allowing a police car to roll through the area as part of the “prayer walks” in crime-infested neighborhoods is a violation of the Constitution.

The FFRF did not address the presence of the police officers providing security and safety for the prayer walkers who are residents of the city the officers are sworn to protect.

Chief Roper told reporters that he is not ashamed of his association with the group and that working with faith-based groups is part of their overall plan to deal with crime in Birmingham.