City removes police officer’s monument entirely after first apologizing that it featured the word ‘Lord’ several times

A South Carolina police monument is simply no more after a public dispute over it containing the Lord's name.

What are the details?

A monument, gifted by the Tega Cay Women's Club in July, appeared at the police station in Tega Cay, South Carolina, earlier this month.

The stone monument featured a policeman's prayer, which featured several instances of the word "Lord," naturally. The monument also featured a Bible verse.

In response to the monument, some vocal residents demanded that religious language be removed from the public monument, arguing that it had no place in a public setting such as a police station.

The city acquiesced to the residents' demands and ended up painting over the instances of the word "Lord." The city also removed the Bible verse from the monument.

A statement from the city, according to The Herald, read, "At this time, we have removed the monument while we continue to seek a solution that expresses our unwavering support and gratitude to those who risk their lives every day for ours."

"We will continue to welcome feedback from our residents and seek further guidance from our legal team until we can find a viable solution for all concerned," the statement added, explaining that removing some of the more offending verbiage as a compromise that did not satisfy all parties, unfortunately.

What else?

According to Fox News, Matthew 5:9 was featured on the memorial. It read, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

The prayer, on the back of the monument, read, "Lord, I ask for courage. Courage to face and conquer my own fears, courage to take me where others will not go ... Give me Lord, concern for others who trust me and compassion for those who need me. And please Lord, through it all, be at my side."

The full post on the city's Facebook page read:

We have received many comments, both locally and nationally, in response to the monument at the Tega Cay Police Station. We attempted to find a compromise but failed as our community has further divided. In an attempt to find a resolution, we have upset parties on both sides of this issue and for that we are truly sorry.

The City of Tega Cay's intent from the beginning of this project was to recognize our current and fallen police officers. Without their courage, strength, de dication, concern and compassion, as mentioned in the police officer's prayer inscribed on the monument, our City would be a much different place.

At this time, we have removed the monument while we continue to seek a solution that expresses our unwavering support and gratitude to those who risk their lives every day for ours. We will continue to welcome feedback from our residents and seek further guidance from our legal team until we can find a viable solution for all concerned.
To the police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders, we thank you for your service and keeping our community safe.

We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your input. Regardless of our different viewpoints, our people are the greatest assets of our community and what truly make this City such a wonderful place to live the good life in Tega Cay.