VA's Use of Religion Upheld

AgapePress--A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Veterans Affairs' use of religion in treating ailing veterans does not violate separation of church and state. Judge John Shabaz dismissed a lawsuit by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and defended the agency's practices, saying religion can help patients heal and is legal as long as it's voluntary. The lawsuit challenged the V-A's practice of asking patients questions about faith, such as how often they attend church and how important religion is in their lives. The suit also targeted V-A substance abuse programs that include religion and the integration of chaplains into patient care. The Freedom From Religion Foundation says it will appeal the judge's ruling. [AP]