As American Airlines officials debated what to do about a pilot who asked Christians on his flight from Los Angeles to New York to identify themselves and discuss their faith, the National Clergy Council released a statement to ask the company for leniency on his behalf.
"This was not a threatening incident," said National Clergy Council President, Rev. Rob Schenck. "At worst, it was misplaced exuberance. At best, he may have helped someone with their spiritual needs."
The Associated Press reported that the pilot told Christians on board his flight to raise their hands, then suggested other passengers use the flight time to talk to the Christians about their faith, and added that he'd be available for discussion at the end of the flight.
The pilot had just returned from a weeklong mission trip to Costa Rica, according to airline spokesman Tim Wagner.
"It falls along the lines of a personal level of sharing that may not be appropriate," Wagner said.
