Prince George County is reviewing its policies after a volunteer soccer coach added a Bible verse to county-issued jerseys without getting the consent of every player’s parents on the team.
The Bible verse “John 14:6” was added to the jerseys of a youth soccer team of 7- and 8-year-olds. Prince George County says that officials were told the coach had consent from the team to make the alterations. It was later found out that not all parents were notified about the uniform change.
John 14:6 is a popular scripture, addressing the Christian belief that Jesus is an example and pathway toward creating a relationship with God; “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The county issued a statement saying that it was aware of the controversy after it was reported by parents.
“These concerns have prompted a policy review of the County’s legal obligations in local government-sponsored programs,” the county said. “…The addition of religious messaging on county-purchased uniforms for a county-run program presents complex First Amendment issues.”
Prince George offered replacement jerseys to parents who did not want the Bible verse printed on their jersey. The county says no player will be excluded from participating based on which jersey they wear.
“Allowing participants to wear altered county-issued jerseys does not indicate the county’s endorsement or opposition of messages added beyond the official uniform design,” Prince George said in the statement. “The county encourages all coaches, players, families, and fans to uphold mutual respect and community values to ensure an inclusive environment free of exclusionary conduct.”
The county’s parks and recreation department provided the jerseys. Parents pay an up-front fee that covers all costs for the soccer league, including uniforms, jerseys, referee pay and other fees. Families keep jerseys when the season is over.
Previous years have seen teams make other jersey modifications, such as including sponsors, players’ names or other logos, without complaint from parents. Prince George says those other jersey changes didn’t include religious messaging.