‘Why is Jesus Commander in Chief?’ Billboard sparks controversy in Colorado Springs

A new billboard in Colorado Springs reads, “Welcome Mr. President to Our AF Academy. Why is Jesus Commander in Chief Here?”

The billboard was created by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation. Drivers can spot the new sign while driving south on I-25 near Garden of the Gods.

“Comedy and sarcasm is always a good way to get attention, but this is a little much. I think it raises a lot more questions than answers,” said Kate Harris, who works close to the new sign.

Mikey Weinstein, the founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, says the billboard is supposed to be a message to the Air Force Academy.

Weinstein says many cadets don’t feel comfortable standing up for their religious rights.

“We want people to be judged on their value, talent, patriotism and their character, not whether they accept Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior. When it comes to separating church and state, the Air Force Academy shows overt favoritism to one version of Christianity,” Weinstein said.

Some say they’ve never heard that opinion before.

“You would think that you would hear about this from so many people long before this if it was that big of an issue. that specifically, Christianity is being forced on these students,” Harris said.

According to the MRFF, every week the sign will get more than 150,000 views. But there’s one specific person Weinstein hopes will see the sign – the president of the United States.

“There’s a very good chance he’ll see the sign,” Weinstein said.

President Obama will be in Colorado Springs on June 2, for the AFA graduation.

“We are watching everything the AFA does and it’s made no significance progress. It pains me to say it because I’m a graduate,” Weinstein said.

People in southern Colorado will also spot that same message in the sky. A plane will be pulling a banner from the organization on May 31 and June 1, just before the AFA graduation.