Prince George addresses concerns after Bible verse reference added to soccer jerseys

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- After a county-sponsored soccer team added a Bible verse reference to its player jerseys, Prince George County is reviewing its "legal obligations in local government-sponsored programs."

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Prince George officials issued a press release responding to recent concerns about religious speech being exercised at local government-sponsored soccer games.

According to the release, the team at the center of this discussion is a soccer team within one of the county's Parks & Recreation leagues. Its volunteer coach met with players' parents prior to the start of the season to propose adding the Bible verse reference "John 14:6" to the players' county-issued jerseys.

The verse being referenced reads "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life -- No one comes to the Father except through me,'" within the New International Version of the Bible.

The jerseys were altered and then redistributed in time for the first game of the season on Sept. 6.

The coach reportedly told county officials that he received parents' permission to make these alterations. However, per the release, "county officials have learned that not all parents of affected children had been informed in advance of the uniform alterations."

The county was also not informed of the alterations prior to the Sept. 6 game.

"While previous alterations, such as players' names or sponsorship logos, have previously occurred without complaint, participation in County-run athletic leagues has not historically included having to make one’s religious preferences known or displayed," officials said in the release. "As such, the addition of religious messaging on County-purchased uniforms for a County-run program presents complex First Amendment considerations."

A policy review has thus been launched into the County's "legal obligations in local government-sponsored programs."

In the meantime, the county said that "no player will be excluded or removed from participation based solely on uniform alterations," as long as the alterations are approved by the player's parent or guardian.

Players being allowed to wear altered jerseys does not indicate either the county's endorsement or opposition of the messages they may display, according to the release.

"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," officials said.