Florida Sheriff Under Fire for Speaking at Church in Uniform

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jun 17, 2015

Florida Sheriff Under Fire for Speaking at Church in Uniform

A Florida sheriff is under fire for preaching at a local church in uniform. 

Christian News Network reports Sheriff Grady Judd preached to over 2,500 people at First Baptist Church of Lakeland in April. Shortly thereafter he was contacted by the atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), who demanded that he stop promoting Christianity in uniform. 

Judd told BayNews9 that his message was titled “Wouldn’t the World be Better if Everyone Behaved Like a Christian?” and talked about belief in Christ overcoming crime. 

“I was invited to this church, as I am to many churches and secular events, and you know what, the message was clear. The message was uplifting. The message talked about and bragged on how wonderful our community was,” Judd said. 

The sheriff now says that he will continue to speak at churches and events in uniform, despite the FFRF’s demands. 

“Let me say this clearly and unequivocally: When people call the sheriff’s office and ask me to come speak, I’m going to come speak, [and] I’m going to wear my uniform,” he said. “You can guarantee it.”

Publication date: June 17, 2015



Florida Sheriff Under Fire for Speaking at Church in Uniform