A small-town bank in Perkins, Oklahoma won’t be wishing their customers a “Merry Christmas” this year because examiners from the Federal Reserve have forced it to remove all religious signs and symbols it had on display, including Christmas buttons from AFA. 

Federal Reserve examiners visit banks every four years to make sure they are compliant with a long list of regulations.  The examiners paid a visit to Perkins last week, to Payne County Bank, and found that “a Bible verse of the day, crosses on the teller’s counter and buttons that say “Merry Christmas, God With Us” were inappropriate.”  The bank also had to remove a Bible verse of the day from its internet site. 

The bank’s customers don’t seem at all happy with the decision by examiners, and who can blame them?  What is wrong with Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas? 

“I don’t think there should be a problem with them displaying whatever religious symbols they want to display,” said Amy Weierman, a Perkins resident.  

 

“I think that’s absurd,” said Chelsi Holser, a bank customer. “I don’t agree with it at all. They are taking Christ out of Christmas and life.” 

The bank has contacted the Oklahoma Banker’s Association and its two U.S. legislators (Rep. Frank Lucas and Sen. Jim Inhoffe) to help with the matter.  Let’s hope this matter can be resolved quickly and in the bank’s favor.