US Merchant Marine Academy forced to cover up Jesus painting because it ‘denigrates non-Christians’

A US military academy has been forced to cover a painting of Jesus because it ‘denigrates non-Christians’.

A huge painting of Jesus walking on water and helping guide sailors through rough water has been covered in a white curtain after being on display for decades at the US Merchant Marine Academy. (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York.

The academy covered up the painting, which hangs in an administration building, after Military Foundation for Religious Liberty founder Michael ‘Mikey’ Weinstein sent a letter Jan. 10 to USMMA Superintendent Joanna Nunan, the first woman to serve as the school’s vice admiral.

Weinstein suggested that the painting be moved to the chapel, instead of a room that was used for Honor Code violations, advisory board meetings, disciplinary hearings, and as a classroom.

‘It would be nice if it was in the chapel, because we always look at the time, the place and the form. But he’s not in the chapel,’ Weinstein said in a video. declaration.

The academy immediately ordered a white curtain to cover the painting, which also allows those who want to view the painting to do so.

It is in an administrative building, in a room that is used all the time, specifically for deliberations on honor board violations, which is one of the most serious things a midshipman or cadet at any military academy can face while fighting. for their rights. lives up to its reputation.

“They have to look at something like this clearly, this is a direct violation of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

He also called the painting “scandalous” and “unconstitutional” and demanded that it be removed as it “clearly projects the sectarian supremacy of Jesus Christ,” he told the christian message.

“It’s like USMMA is yelling ‘Jesus Christ is the only approved solution to all of life’s difficulties.'”

Weinstein represents 18 midshipmen, faculty and staff who practice various faiths, including Judaism, Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity.

“It marginalizes non-Christian members of the Academy,” he told the Christian Post. “The painting does not ensure a diverse, equitable, or inclusive environment for non-Christian USMMA midshipmen, graduates, staff, or faculty.”

However, Nunan said that the large size of the painting made it impossible to move it, but that he “had asked my staff to buy a curtain to put it in front of the painting.”

‘It would be nice if it was in the chapel, because we always look at the time, the place and the form. But he’s not in the chapel,” Weinstein said. He said it “clearly projects the sectarian supremacy of Jesus Christ.”

Superintendent and Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan, who is the first woman to hold the position, responded immediately and covered up the painting. However, she told Weinstein that the painting could not be moved.

The painting was located at the USMMA US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York (pictured)

“This will completely block the view of the painting, but will also allow those who wish to view it the opportunity to do so,” he wrote in response. ‘Secondly, I have asked the Director of the US Merchant Marine Museum to prepare a plaque explaining the history of the painting, which will be installed near it.’

Despite Weinstein’s initial removal request not being granted, he said he’s pleased with USMMA’s quick response.

“We believe that the use of the curtain covering the painting will serve to create even more positive teachable moments when viewers will inevitably ask why it is there and what is underneath,” he told the Christian Post.

DailyMail.com has contacted USMMA for comment.