Fired for His Faith: Ex-Fire Chief Honored for Standing his Ground
The National Religious Broadcasters honored a former Atlanta fire chief for standing up for his faith.
More than a year after being fired, former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran was honored for standing firm in his faith despite it costing him his job.
Chief Cochran, once one of the highest ranked fire officials in the country appointed by President Barack Obama, was terminated for expressing his religious views in a Bible study book he authored in his personal time.
He briefly wrote about sexual immorality in the devotional, but was fired by Atlanta's mayor who saw his views as discriminatory.
The NRB honored Cochran with the prestigious Faith and Freedom Award, citing his steadfast faith in a time when religious freedom is under attack.
"Chief Cochran, my heart aches when I think of how you have been treated," NRB President and CEO Dr. Jerry A. Johnson said. "Your steadfast faith and your winsomeness even among those who have been unjust to you is a powerful testimony. We are honored to present you with NRB's 2016 Faith and Freedom Award."
Cochran said he was "honored and humbled beyond words." However, he was quick to remind the audience that he is not the only one who has had to face the battle between faith and employment.
He noted that his case "is but one of a growing list of many where a government entity and special interest groups have imposed adverse consequences on an American for publicly proclaiming a position based upon biblical truth that is not consistent with popular culture or the shifting pluralisms of political correctness."
Cochran said the Church needs unity in a time when religious freedom is under attack.
"Every day, Americans have to make a choice as to whether they will live out their faith or keep their jobs or business. As such, there is a significant need for the Body of Christ to rise to unprecedented levels of unity and solidarity regarding religious liberty," he said.
