The Air Force has released interim guidance on free exercise of religion. The guidelines are based on the following principles:
- Compliance with the Constitution’s protections for free exercise of religion and prohibitions against governmental establishment of religion.
- No official endorsement or establishment of any religion or the idea of religion over nonreligion.
- Commitment to a climate in which individuals of diverse beliefs form an effective team.
- The responsibility of commanders for Chaplain service programs.
- Responsibility of supervisors, commanders and leaders to avoid the appearance of either official endorsement or disapproval of individuals who hold particular religious beliefs or hold no religious beliefs.
- Prohibition of abuse or disrespect of Air Force members based on religious beliefs or the absence of religious beliefs.
- Teamwork derived from a common Air Force heritage that recognizes and values the heritages, cultures and beliefs represented by members.
- Strength derived by standing together as Americans and Airmen of many religions as well as those who claim no religion.