“For so long, your organization has been a sword and shield for those of us who serve, and because of your reputation, now, when people like me advocate for ourselves, we are taken seriously instead of being dismissed” — Long-time MRFF client’s “Letter to MRFF”

From: (Long-time MRFF client’s name withheld)
Subject: Letter to MRFF
Date: October 5, 2023 at 11:19:38 AM MDT
To: Michael L Weinstein <[email protected]>

Mikey, and the rest of the MRFF,

I wanted to thank you, once again, for helping me with yet another church-state separation issue with the U.S. Military. As you know, I’m a longtime MRFF client, and you’ve provided me advice and counsel before. I mean both of those things, advice AND counsel. 

In the past, you have written letters on my behalf to accomplish change at my former postings where command has given preferential treatment to members of certain religions. When I didn’t know precisely what my rights were, not to be evangelized or mistreated because of my religion, you were there to show my leadership how to be neutral stewards of their command. Without your counsel, I would have continued to be treated unequally, and as always I am thankful.

But this time, I’m thankful for your advice, not your counsel. Let me explain. 

A month or two ago, I reached out to you. It was (unfortunately) a conversation we have had before: Some evangelical organization leaving proselytizing materials all over the post I was stationed at. I figured the materials were a violation of the Establishment Clause and after showing you a photo, you confirmed that. I asked you what to do. You told me. And to be honest, I sat on your advice. Did I really want to go through all the hullabaloo all over again, involving chains of command and legal letters.

Then, today, a chance meeting occurred. The base-wide director of public facilities happened to be sitting just across from my table in the very building where the evangelical materials were posted. I took a chance. I told him “You know that poster over there is a violation of church-state separation, right?” What followed was a conversation very much like the ones you and I have had, only now I was in your shoes. 

At the end of our discussion, he walked over, removed the material and tossed it in the trash. He thanked me for informing him, and moreso, for preventing him from catching heat from the materials’ presence. He didn’t want to provide an inequitable environment for the troops, and didn’t want to expose himself to accusations of bias. We didn’t need letters and phone calls, just a talk. 

That conversation would not have been possible without your efforts. The deputy director knew of MRFF, he knew what your organization stood for. For so long, your organization has been a sword and shield for those of us who serve, and because of your reputation, now, when people like me advocate for ourselves, we are taken seriously instead of being dismissed. 

So, thank you for building that reputation. For spending so long fighting your fight so we can fight ours. But also, thank you for teaching me, empowering me to fight for myself. It felt good today to make a change – not totally on my own – but knowing you had my back.

Warmest Regards,

Longtime client