Sheriff's Sermons in Uniform Draw Fire

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd makes no bones about being a Christian, nor is he known for mincing words.

That’s why Grady’s response to a written request from the Freedom From Religion Foundation probably won’t come as much of a surprise to Tampa Bay area residents accustomed to his straight-shooting, often controversial banter.

“He’s going to continue doing what he’s done in the past,” said Scott Wilder, director of communications for the sheriff’s office. “The sheriff rejects the argument that this is somehow against the Constitution.”

That argument was made public when the foundation fired off a letter to Judd dated June 15. It seems the nonprofit organization caught wind of Judd’s practice of wearing his sheriff’s office uniform while preaching guest sermons at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland. At issue in particular is a sermon Judd gave, titled “Wouldn’t The World Be Better If Everyone Behaved Like a Christian.” That April 19 sermon is posted in video format on the church’s website.

“You gave the sermon dressed in your Polk County Sheriff’s Office Class ‘A’ uniform, proclaimed your support for faith-based jailing, and claimed that the best way to reform individuals who have broken the law is through Jesus,” the letter stated. “You are also listed as ‘Sheriff Grady Judd’ repeatedly on the church website, including as a preacher.”

The foundation’s lawyer Andrew Seidel contends Judds’ actions add up to “abuse of public office for personal religious gain.” Judd, however, says the claims have no merit.

While Seidel demands Judd refrain from using his office, title and uniform from the pulpit and wants a letter in return, Judd has no intentions of complying with the request, Wilder said.

“We’re not planning on responding,” he said. “He’s (Judd) outspoken and he’s going to speak his mind.”

What actions, if any, the foundation will take remain unclear.

“Of course you are free to attend church, preach at your church, and even teach Sunday school,” Seidel wrote. “But you cannot preach in church as Sheriff Judd, you must do so as Mr. Judd, private citizen.”

The foundation serves as an umbrella “for those who are free from religion and are committed to the cherished principle of separation of state and church,” according to its website.

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