UPDATE: After Outcry, Feds Back Down; Banks Can Display Crosses - Second-In-Command Of Federal Reserve Calls Bank Late Thursday
12/17/2010
PERKINS, Okla. -- The small-town bank in Oklahoma will be able to restore its Christian signs and symbols after all, thanks in part to public outcry against the Federal Reserve.The president of Payne County Bank, Lynn Kinder, said he spoke with the second in command at the Federal Reserve late Thursday evening. Both sides agreed to work out the issue."The federal reserve immediately took action, " Kinder said in a statement. "And allowed us to restore our Christian display of items and verses on our television and website until a final determination is made. It appears that the matter will be resolved."Federal Reserve examiners came to Perkins bank last week to make sure banks are complying with a long list of regulations. The team from Kansas City deemed a Bible verse of the day, crosses on the teller’s counter and buttons that say "Merry Christmas, God With Us," were inappropriate. The Bible verse of the day on the Internet also had to be taken down.
The story garnered national attention overnight from bloggers and Twitter users who posted links to KOCO.com's story.
Specifically, the feds believed, these symbols violated the discouragement clause of Regulation B of the bank regulations. According to the clause,"... the use of words, symbols, models and other forms of communication ... express, imply or suggest a discriminatory preference or policy of exclusion."The feds interpreted that to mean, for example, a Jew or Muslim or atheist may be offended and believe they may be discriminated against at this bank.Kinder had contacted the Oklahoma Bankers Association and the office Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. Frank Lucas. The state banking department sent a letter requesting a clearer interpretation.The Federal Reserve responded to Kinder Thursday. So for now, the Christian religious signs, Bible verse and symbols are back on display."I think that's good," said Cushing resident Bill Erwin."I don't think they should have had to take it down. I think everybody should be able to believe what they want to believe," said customer Carrie Kinsey. "I think they had every right to keep it up."
Original Story:
Feds Force Okla. Bank To Remove Crosses, Bible Verse - Federal Examiners Say Religious Decoration Inappropriate
12/16/2010
PERKINS, Okla. -- A small-town bank in Oklahoma said the Federal Reserve won’t let it keep religious signs and symbols on display.
Federal Reserve examiners come every four years to make sure banks are complying with a long list of regulations. The examiners came to Perkins last week. And the team from Kansas City deemed a Bible verse of the day, crosses on the teller’s counter and buttons that say "Merry Christmas, God With Us." were inappropriate. The Bible verse of the day on the bank's Internet site also had to be taken down.“I don’t think there should be a problem with them displaying whatever religious symbols they want to display,” said Amy Weierman, a Perkins resident.
Specifically, the feds believed, the symbols violated the discouragement clause of Regulation B of the bank regulations. According to the clause, "...the use of words, symbols, models and other forms of communication ... express, imply or suggest a discriminatory preference or policy of exclusion."The feds interpret that to mean, for example, a Jew or Muslim or atheist may be offended and believe they may be discriminated against at this bank. It is an appearance of discrimination.But customers Eyewitness News 5 talked to said they aren’t buying it.
“This is just ridiculous,” said bank customer Jim Nyles. “This whole thing is just ridiculous. We all have regulatory bodies that govern us. But this is too much.”“I think that’s absurd,” said Chelsi Holser, a bank customer. “I don’t agree with it at all. They are taking Christ out of Christmas and life.”The bank is quietly fighting for a clearer interpretation of the clause. Officials have contacted their two U.S. legislators, Rep. Frank Lucas and Sen. Jim Inhofe, and the Oklahoma Bankers Association to help.