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Firefighter Fired for Sending Christian E-mails to Fellow Employees

Oct. 12, 2012 12:45pm Billy Hallowell

Captain Jon Sprague Fired as Firefighter Over Christian Emails

Photo Credit: FILE

Captain Jon Sprague served as a firefighter in Spokane Valley, Washington, for 17 years before being dismissed on Wednesday. The termination, he claims, came as a result of Christian-themed e-mails he sent to fellow firefighters. While Sprague maintains that he did nothing wrong, Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson says that he violated department rules when he used his taxpayer-funded e-mail account to send the faith-based messages.

Two years ago, Sprague started the Christian Firefighter Fellowship as part of a local support group for his co-workers. Since his fellow firemen were spread out, he said that e-mail was the most efficient way for him to communicate with the group.

“It’s not like I can just walk next door and talk to another employee about some of these things,” Sprague explained. “We have 10 fire stations and three different shifts. The only real way is to communicate is that way.”

The messages apparently went out to 46 members of the Christian Firefighter Fellowship and, according to the now-terminated firefighter, the e-mails weren’t problematic and no one complained as a result of receiving them.

But Thompson said that sending the e-mails was a violation of department rules and that using the account for personal reasons isn’t allowed. According to the chief, he was ordered to stop using the account to send emails and after direct orders and disciplinary action, he was fired for alleged insubordination.

“All along the way we’ve given him a direct order, and he refused to do that,” Thompson said, according to My Fox Spokane. ”[Sprague] can stand at the station, hand out fliers, we don’t have a problem with that. He just can’t use department funded systems to do what he wanted to do.”

This distinction is intriguing. While the firefighter would be allowed to give out Christian materials in a government-funded station, he is forbidden from using “department-funded systems.” Despite his dismissal, Sprague is planning to defend himself and to appeal the decision, as he believes the incident may be more rooted in personal issues than actual violations of code.

“Never had been disciplined in the past. Everything seems to revolve around just those emails and the Christian content,” he said.

(H/T: My Fox Spokane)

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Comments (94)

watashbuddyfriend
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:29pm
Ok, Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson, better get the kiddy ready to shell out some bucks! She coming back to grab you!

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- RabidPatriot
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 7:21pm
  If the chief is telling the truth, there would be a paper trail of signed acknowledgements of a verbal warning and then discipline before termination. If all that exists then the firefighter can kiss his job goodbye. If not, they just awarded him lots of taxpayer money.
  
  Report this comment
- txmike
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:19pm
  money and the chiefs job.
  
  Report this comment
- Al J Zira
  Posted on October 14, 2012 at 11:24am
  I wonder if it’s OK for the fire fighter’s union to send emails regarding voting via these accounts? If the department wants to whitewash the email accounts so they don’t contain anything religious then shouldn’t they be ridding the system of any political thought, social philosophy or outside influence other than that which deals strictly with fire fighting? I guess they’d be happy with some vanilla, generic, void of reference email system where people can go but not be human.
  
  Report this comment
aldol
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:22pm
these liberals are worse than the papal inquisition

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- yougottabekidding
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 4:52pm
  So if a Christian steals it’s okay? Why cause he’s doing it for God?
  I think God said thou shall not steal.
  Or is it okay cause someone else did it so why not me?
  If the story is correct and he was warned, then he was warned and let the chips fall were they may.
  
  Report this comment
- Chuck Stein
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 6:10pm
  Wow! Using a “taxpayer-funded e-mail account”! Such outrageous “theft”! I wonder: what additional cost to the local government from suchuse of the email account (that was already provided, right?) The local government was not so idiodic as to assert “theft”
  Rather “he was ordered to stop using the account to send emails and after direct orders and disciplinary action, he was fired for alleged insubordination.” Now, THAT could be a real reason to fire someone.
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 6:33pm
  Chuck Stein
  It’s called unauthorized use – Which is criminal conversion – which is theft. It does not matter if it’s a penny, it’s someone elses and he’s taking it.
  They are giving him a break. You can try to dumb it down all you want. I’m a christian, but I’ve let people go for going around preaching during work hours.
  
  Report this comment
- 13thCousinOfTheAntiChrist
  Posted on October 14, 2012 at 4:00am
  @YouGottaBeKidding This was a support group which happened to be Christian. Were there other support groups within the local government which were allowed to use government resources, even if it was space on a bulletin board? If so, then this wasn’t theft.
  
  Report this comment
Dano.50
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:18pm
If this email service can’t be used for personal use, I wonder if they’ll crack down on the porn pics that no doubt get exchanged via the same service.

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- IronSights
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:35pm
  Exactly, they should audit all the email accounts and anything personal in nature, INCLUDING any correspondence to /between non-profit, charities, ebay, whatever…….terminate those individuals. Selective exercising of business or organizational policy is an issue caused by owners/managers acting out of fear. Fear that ACLU or some other fringe group suing them, especially when it pertains to religion.
  
  Report this comment
- Dustoff
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:03pm
  What a bunch of BULL. As a retired WA state fire fighter. You should see the BS they send us in our E-mail accounts.
  
  Report this comment
- not a liberal
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:53pm
  I agree ironsights, audit the whole system.
  
  Report this comment
DeathRattle
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:30pm
Interesting article here, what do you all think of it…..

http://global.christianpost.com/news/glenn-beck-affiliation-leads-to-calls-for-boycott-of-christian-tvs-tbn-54317/

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- OneTermPresident
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:24pm
  Not much. The choice’s are Obama or Romney and I’ll take the who “didn’t” say… “The future can’t belong to those who would slander the prophet.”
  
  Report this comment
- Payattentionppl
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:47pm
  It is an interesting article. I am not sure of your religious beliefs so of course there is the risk of being offensive to you and many on this site. For that I apologize but to follow is what I believe to be true.
  First, boycotting TBN is not a bad idea. For any bible believing Christian, who actually studies the word of God it shouldn’t be a surprise that TBN would have questionable relationships. The majority of televangelists on that network are false prophets seeking to line their pockets. They preach a prosperity gospel or a type of “name it and claim it” gospel all of which are not founded on God’s word but on selfish ambition. When these teachings fail the follower is left further from God than before.
  Second, I AM voting for Mitt Romney. However, I do not believe that Mormons are Christians. I believe the Mormon church teaches a false gospel or a false interpretation…however you want to see it. What I do think is Glenn Beck may be wrong theologically, even though he doesn’t tend to speak in too much depth on his radio show, he is spot on when it comes to what is happening in America. The rise in socialism, economic collapse, etc. So I listen to him. And because Romney stands on a platform of policies that more line up with mine than Obama, I will vote for him. Also, their religious liberties are under the same threat as mine. I don’t have to endorse their religion in order to endorse their policies that I agree with.
  As for TBN, don’t watch them anyway
  
  Report this comment
- Payattentionppl
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 4:10pm
  Let me also say that no matter who is in the White House, God is still on His throne in heaven. He is sovereign above all things. His will will be done whether a Mormon is the President or Obama…I don’t believe Obama is a Muslim or a Christian…I can’t say I know what he is other than a socialist. What Christians need to be doing to praying for a move of the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of Americans. A Third Awakening or Jesus Movement is the only thing that will reverse the path America is on. Our country is morally and spiritually empty. Even if we had a Christian in the White House this (a revival) is the only thing that could heal our nation. All the people that are voting third party because they “can’t just vote for the lesser of two evils” are just voting for the lesser of three evils! Unless we are voting for Jesus Christ we will ALWAYS be voting for the lesser evil, because man is fallen and sinful not matter who they are. Even Billy Graham would be a lesser evil and he is a true believer and follower of Christ and more righteous than most here on earth. I hope that makes sense. Fortunately when Jesus returns we won’t have to vote for Him because He will automatically reign and establish His kingdom.
  
  Report this comment
- iamnotashamedofthegospelofchrist
  Posted on October 14, 2012 at 5:18pm
  Well, I don’t think much of this. It’s unfortunate that some Christians don’t take the do not judge lest ye be judged seriously enough. Beck has said multiple times he is mormon. I don’t believe that way, but he is still entitled to his belief. This is still America, well maybe. Anyway, I am fully set in my belief’s and the mormon faith poses no threat to me. I know what they believe, and like I said, I don’t believe that way but to call it a satanic cult, well that goes a little far. Beck has been working hard with all evangelicals, and Jewsish alike to wake people up, I commend him for that. Remember, Mathew 7:1-6.
  
  Report this comment
Xiccarph
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:14pm
Its likely Discovery by this Captain’s lawyers will find other “private/personal” email use, and perhaps some bias/personal dislike on the part of management behind the punishment for this “horrible” offense. A lot will center around the “degree” of this offense. Sounds too fishy to me to fire a 17-year veteran firefighter over email use. If he is sending 30 emails a day, that is relatively far worse an offense than say, one or two a week or month. Also, is firing more useful here than say, disabling his email account, or making it “read only”? Just seems like overkill.

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Larry E
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:02pm
He must have offended a Mslm or atheist, and as we all know offending either group is verboten. Offending Christians and Jews however is perfectly acceptable.

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- Verceofreason
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 8:59pm
  He was warned.
  Perhaps this was a ‘not following orders thing’?
  
  Report this comment
- Pocacahontas
  Posted on October 15, 2012 at 11:27am
  I see the article title as intentionally misleading. “[H]e was fired for alleged insubordination.” No, he was fired for insubordination. If the allegations that Sprague was insubordinate are true, he doesn’t have a leg to stand on.
  
  Note bene: I’m by no stretch of the imagination saying the chief’s personal animosity didn’t have something to do with the firing. Nonetheless, someone who disobeys a legal direct order should expect to be fired.
  
  (Please, God, help me. I seem to be agreeing with VERCEOFREASON, whom I’ve never previously found to be a voice of reason.)
  
  Report this comment
J3player
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:59pm
This is nothing more than Christian persecution. Is the Taliban now running the fire department in Spokane Valley, Washington?

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- Verceofreason
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:20pm
  Oh, I keep forgetting, “christians” are above the law and can do whatever they want -
  or scream persecution.
  
  Report this comment
blackyb
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:50pm
There is always a Judas or two who will try to do in Christ. When these Judas’ get in a fire and they are burning themselves, they will remember what they did. They will at some point in their lives recall how they went against a man who was trying to give them the Truth.

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Dismayed Veteran
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:24pm
This is not a 1st Amendment issue. It appears from the story that he organized his group 2 years ago. If the employer was engaged in religious discrimination, the question has to asked why the employer didn’t act sooner.

When there is a computer system hardware and software, including the email feature, which is owned by an employer, whether or not public or private, the employer gets to set the rules for use. He violated the employer defined use.

“According to the chief, he was ordered to stop using the account to send emails and after direct orders and disciplinary action, he was fired for alleged insubordination.”

This sentence indicates that he had recieved some sort discipline in the past regarding the use of the computer, he appears to continue to use it. This refutes the statement that he had no disciplinary action in the past. He was finally given a direct order to stop. He refused. That is insubordination.

No employer can define an individual’s personal beliefs nor should they. They can define the rules of the workplace which an employee can follow or not. Not following rules has consequences. It appears that he was given opportunities to change his behavior. He chose not to.

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RANGER1965
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:19pm
Part of being a Christian is obedience to one’s superiors.

As an American and a Christian he has every right to try to change the system, or convince his superiors to change their minds about a policy.
But what he cannot do is disobey his superiors and call it righteous just because the reasons involved Christian evangelism, or support.
God and man fired him that day. And he deserved it.

Unless obedience to your superiors makes you directly sin then you have no excuse.

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- blackyb
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:00pm
  One does not have superiors, they have people they are being supervised by, but these people are in no fashion superiors, they may think so, but they have to answer to God just like the rest of humaniity.
  The man should not have done this on company time, but sought other ways to communicate. If he was instructed not to do this and he persisted in this and there were complaints, he had to address this in a way that was by company policy.
  
  Report this comment
- blackyb
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:03pm
  People have no “superiors.” That is a leftist, socialist or military way to indoctrinate people into losing their own identity. It is a sore point for some of us who knows that being a supervisor does not mean one is superior, but this supervisor has earned his stripes and has more responsibility. The only superior is God almighty.
  
  Report this comment
- Jezreel
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:09pm
  It is better to obey God rather than man. The scripture about the “powers ordained by God” in Romans 13 were wrongly translated so to keep government above God. It is the “liberties” ordained by God, otherwise, our founding fathers were disobeying God when they revolted against tyranny. It sounds like you have had a very strong solid teaching in men’s doctrines in organized religion and apparently you are sadly one of these church goers who do not know the Lord Jahshua. The true meaning of separation of church and state is to keep government out of our faith, not the other way around. Our country is sorely lacking in good holy men who have backbone and truly know the Lord. Instead, we live in a country where men are ruled by women and where organized religion has removed Jahshua and His spirit from the building. What we have today is a mockery. This man who was fired if he is true to the Lord, will receive way more in return than you could ever know. It is a shame and it is disgusting that we have so many cowardly powerless men today in our government. We have lots of cowardly powerless men everywhere and that is why evil has run rampant. The men today disgust me as so do the bullying unfeminine poor excuse of women who continue to rule over the majority of men in our country. Disgusting. Revolting. It seems like maybe we do need a plague of viruses and illnesses in our country to wipe out all the bad genetics don’t we?
  
  Report this comment
- mandmsgirl
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 2:20pm
  Best Answer
  
  Report this comment
- RANGER1965
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 3:02pm
  @BlackyB: I think most people understand the word “superior” used in this case was not to imply that one man was greater than another. it is a term to identify this man’s temporal boss. As far as the rest of your statement, I believe we are in agreement.
  
  @Jezreel: Sorry but that dog won’t hunt. With God it’s always a right thing, in a right way or it’s wrong. Evangelizing and supporting your Christian brothers and sisters is a good thing. But if he is ordered by his superiors not to do so using company money or assets then it’s his job to convince his superiors otherwise, change the system, quit his job, or comply.
  The moment he disobeyed this direct command he deserved his firing. It’s as simple as that.
  
  Report this comment
- Pocacahontas
  Posted on October 15, 2012 at 11:34am
  “It seems like maybe we do need a plague of viruses and illnesses in our country to wipe out all the bad genetics don’t we?” The way I see it, JEZREEL, I’d want you near the top of the list to be wiped out. Who the hell are you to speak of bad genetics?
  
  Report this comment
woodyee
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:16pm
While Gaybama openly defends the political machine known as islam, he and his minions openly attack Christianity. Here’s a chronological list of his ACTIONS, which speak louder than his WORDS –

http://wdtprs.com/blog/2012/10/pres-obamas-record-in-regard-to-christians-and-biblical-values/

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LeadNotFollow
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:16pm
.
Christianity will constantly remain under attack, as long as Obama and Biden are in the White House.

An evil “man-child” and an evil “delusional old man” are running our country.
Wake up people. They are purposely destroying America.

Romney-Ryan are our best chance to save America.
They have vowed to put God back in our country.

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normalmom
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:12pm
Probably some of the Seattle or California jerks that have been trying to ruin Spokane. We can always recognize them in the winter cause they freak out at the first hint of snow.

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Just_Us2
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:06pm
Should have used personal email. He was warned.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:17pm
  Like you said using oersonal email is safer.
  
  If they are receptive to the message, they will give their email or one of their email accounts.
  
  Report this comment
kaydeebeau
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:04pm
Ask yourself this question, had he been sending out Union recruitments or petiotns for homosexual “marriage” support or gathering donations for abortion coverage or to start a Spokane branch of the Muslim Brotherhood- would the same punishment have been handed down ? I think we all know the answer….of course not

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- Walkabout
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:15pm
  For Union recruitement I doubt he would have been stopped.
  
  Report this comment
Prosecute_Constitutional_Treason_In_Washington
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:03pm
This Christian man voluntarilly ministers as a leader, captain, to the souls of his job stressed flock only to be attacked by some satanic worker of sin. This Christian man should be given a promotion and recognized for his outstanding leadership above his job to help his fellow firefighters.
Where are the Christian attorney’s and Christian townspeople to fight for this righteous leader?

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woodyee
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:03pm
I’m glad he’s appealing, but he disobeyed a direct order. He’s an officer (Capt.), and the only time I (personally) feel disobeying direct orders apropriate are A. When the order given is illegal B. Combat, in extreme conditions when the officer at the scene has a better and faster grab of his units situation*.

*Case in point – Moore at X-Ray.

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Prosecute_Constitutional_Treason_In_Washington
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:59pm
Where are the Christian attorney’s and local churches to stand up for this guy? We demand the chiefs email be reviewed to see if he ever uses his email for personal reasons say to his family for example.
Christians need to step forward and stand for reality not this fairy tale story of idealogy. Everyone uses business email for limited personal reasons. I say this man cost the taxpayers zero since email is a fixed overhead cost and not contingent upon the number of emails sent. People who claim to be Christians for God’s sake stand up and fight for other Christians. Either stand or be enslaved by satans workers.

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EtchASketch
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:56pm
It’s ironic that a firefighter was “fired,” no?
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- woodyee
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:13pm
  You assumed wrong. I meant Gaybama*. Now back to my question – What – specifically – is it about the last four years that you like about Gaybama? I didn’t ask you how you felt emotionally (” thought they were awesome!”).
  
  * http://www.wnd.com/2012/10/jesse-jackson-wright-arranged-obama-marriage/
  
  * http://fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/mom-of-murdered-obama-gay-lover-speaks-up/
  
  * http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message1986052/pg1
  
  Report this comment
Valuable
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:56pm
His lawyers had better get an order to check every single email that anyone has ever sent on the tax-funded system and fire every single employee who has not used it for that explicit purpose.

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- Prosecute_Constitutional_Treason_In_Washington
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:09pm
  I agree. Once the emails and computers are all checked I’m sure alot of porn and personal emails will surface even from the accuser. Christians need to get involved and demand justice. This man was ministering to the emotions and souls of men stressed by their job. If it was about AA meetings or something similar there would be no issue. I would sue. It’s not the money. It’s standing for Christian freedoms. Emails are not priced by the number. The cost is fixed so his emails cost the dept. nothing.
  This is a fight for Christianity.
  
  Report this comment
U.N.hater
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:56pm
So when do we start takeing our country back?

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EtchASketch
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:56pm
So what? I thought you didn’t like when people were “all in your face” with their beliefs, preferences, etc?

Non-story. Next!
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- U.N.hater
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:58pm
  An e-mail is not all in your face. Don’t open it. Don’t read it. Now go back to russia where you belong.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:59pm
  Hey *******, read the story. He was emailing other members of the Christian Firefighter Fellowship. They signed up for the emails.
  
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- Rajabear1
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:05pm
  Hey dumb@sss, you did see the part where it was sent to the MEMBERS of a Christian Firefighter Fellowship–not the entire dept. Of course you saw that, but like most libs you choose not to acknowledge facts or the truth. just make it up as you go along.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:18pm
  He didn’t even read the story Raj, he just saw “christian” and pounced. Like most of them do.
  
  Report this comment
- Rajabear1
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:32pm
  You are most likely correct Mr Gonzo, as usual. Ya know, I bet our new friend here–sketchy–would have no problem with porn, emails going out to meet for happy hour AFTER work, or sending cute little newborn baby pics to EVERYONE in the fire dept, including superiors—but watch out for anything labeled Christian Support to a small group. Good night alive.
  
  Report this comment
girlnurse
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:54pm
These things are overlooked all the time unless they get excessive (which this doesn’t appear to be). Sounds like someone at that fire dept. has a deep seated hatred for God. No other explanation.

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- Dustoff
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 5:06pm
  Bingo. As a retired Fire fighter, you should see the BS they send us in our E-mails.
  Something stinks.
  
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crazyrightwingmom
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:53pm
I don’t see the need to do this at work….start it from his home email. He was given warnings.

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- StarkeRaving
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:01pm
  I agree.
  
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- saneromeo
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:13pm
  I gotta say I agree as well, if the only problem was the using of the official email address he should have just gotten another one, they’re free for crying out loud!
  http://saneromeo.wordpress.com/
  
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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 12:52pm
One more demonstration of the government assault on Christianity.

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- Valuable
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 1:00pm
  Amen.
  
  Would the Muslim Firefighter Fellowship be treated the same way??????
  
  Good Lord, NO!!! They would be given tax dollars to buy supplies to have pot-lucks!
  
  Report this comment

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