Alabama county blocks in-school Bible distribution

By The Associated Press

11.23.02

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ATHENS, Ala. — Local school officials have blocked Gideons International from distributing Bibles in public schools after a parent threatened to file suit.

Limestone County Superintendent Barry Carroll said a parent complained after the Christian organization held its annual Bible distribution for fifth-graders.

Bob Lambert, the president of the local Gideons chapter, said the organization would abide by the decision and did not want any publicity for fear it would compromise Bible giveaways elsewhere.

"We seek other methods to accomplish our goals," Lambert said.

The county school board will meet later this month to consider developing a policy that addresses equal access for groups wanting to distribute materials inside schools, Carroll said.

"We are not anti-Bible, but we want to do things in an appropriate and legal manner," he said.

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