Airline pilot suggests Christians share faith with non-Christians; reprimanded for remarks

(RNS) An American Airlines pilot is under investigation after he suggested Christians on a recent flight should discuss their faith with non-Christians traveling with them, the airline said.

The incident occurred Feb. 6 when American’s Flight 34 was between Los Angeles and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. Airline spokesman Tim Wagner said the pilot, whose name was not released, asked Christians on the plane to raise their hands.

He then recommended the other passengers use their time onboard to talk to the Christians about their faith, Wagner said.

Passenger Amanda Nelligan told WCBS-TV of New York the pilot said non-Christians were “crazy” and his statements “felt like a threat.”

The pilot, who had just returned from a mission trip to Costa Rica, also informed passengers he would be free to talk with them at the end of the flight.

American Atheists issued a statement Monday saying it is urging its members to contact the airline’s parent company to express their concerns.

“Up to now it has been the airline employees who have had to worry about threatening behavior from passengers,” said Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists.