Alaska Airlines is America’s 7th largest aircraft transport organization regarding passenger traffic. In the 1970s, AA began handing out prayer cards with its in flight meals after observing the practice done by competition. The cards simply had the verse of a specific prayer that was intended to not only market the Christian faith but also to help passengers feel comforted during their flight.
Alaska Airlines has decided, after many years of tradition, to discontinue the prayer cards in order to not push/force one specific religion on their now more religiously diverse passenger groups. Changes began to take place back in February of this year.
AA attempts to explain its actions to its frequent flyers:
“This difficult decision was not made lightly. We believe it’s the right thing to do in order to respect the diverse religious beliefs and cultural attitudes of all our customers and employees,” Alaska Air Group Chairman and CEO Bill Ayer and Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden wrote to customers.
“Religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice.”
This change can be seen as a hit for the presence of Christianity in business everywhere but also shows a willingness of business owners to try and be tolerant of and accommodating toward their increasingly diverse customers.
This is a tough issue, and I truly believe that it was not taken lightly by the board of Alaskan Airlines, however, Jesus calls us as Christians to share the Gospel. This is seen in the Great Commission, His last words to us on earth. It is important not to shove it down throats, but also it is our calling as Christians to be different. I don’t love this move by Alaskan Airlines, but also we do need to meet people where they are at. This is something that they should do now more than ever if they are focusing on the different religions of people and still calling themselves a Christian organization.