Anti-religious group condemn’s Alabama university for mass baptism

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A mass campus baptism assisted by the head football coach of an Alabama university has been criticised by an anti-religious group as “unconstitutional.” Auburn’s Hugh Freeze took part in the baptisms following the Unite Auburn worship event, which was attended by around 5,000 people at the university’s Red Barn. However, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a non-profit anti-religion organisation that advocates for atheists, agnostics and nontheists, said that the mass baptism was “unconstitutional and inappropriate.” open image in gallery The FFRF claimed that the event was unconstitional and that the coaches need to reminded they were not hired as “religious leaders” In a press release titled “FFRF warns Aubrun U over coach Freeze athlete baptism,” the organisation, based in Wisconsin, alleged that various sports coaches from Auburn University, as well as Freeze, took place in directing the baptisms. “Auburn’s sports programs are full of young and impressionable student athletes who would not risk giving up their scholarship, playing time or a good recommendation from their coach by speaking out or voluntarily opting out of any team religious activities — even if they strongly disagreed with his beliefs.” “Coaches exert great influence and power over student athletes and those athletes will follow the lead of their coaches. The Governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey, responded to the FFRF’s statement and letter to the university, saying Alabama “will not be intimidated by out-of-state interest groups dedicated to destroying our nation’s religious heritage.” Ms Ivey, who is a Baptist, referenced the First Amendment, reminding the FFRF that it also protects the “free exercise” of religion and that she was committed to safeguarding “all Alabamians, religious and nonreligious alike.” Alabama’s US representative Robert Aderholt also took to X to respond to FFRF’s condemnation of the event at the university.