The operator of North Carolina’s license plate renewal office said he will not stop playing Christian music despite the complaints and believes the controversy is indicative of a larger social problem.
Media outlets across North Carolina have been covering news about the dispute, which was reported to have occurred after a customer who visited the local DMV office (often referred to as a tag office) in Lincolnton, North Carolina It all started when a complaint was filed with the state about Christian music. The office is privately owned and contracted by the state to renew and sell tags. WSOC-TV report.
Operator Matthew Craig said the complaint also mentioned military supplies being sold inside the office.
Craig told WSOC that he has no plans to stop playing Christian music or change anything in his office. On the counter is written, “He rose.”
“I believe we are in a situation that many people view as the sum total of our nation’s problems,” Craig told WSOC.
Craig said he will retire and close his office in March.
When a TV station visited his office this week, there was a large crowd of Mr. Craig’s supporters.
“It was stupid for someone to do that. [would] We’re closing down this office,” said customer William McCollough. “He’s one of the most efficient and kind people in town.”
“If they want to play gospel music, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I like gospel music,” said customer Sam Goodson. “That’s the reality. You can’t please everyone in this world.”
“They don’t want anything Christian, they don’t want any mention of God. And that’s the problem in our country today,” said customer Betty Berger.
“To me, I think the world is going in the devil’s direction instead of the way it’s supposed to go,” customer Betty Hass said.
Lincolnton Mayor Ed Hatley expressed frustration over the controversy.
“Politics should not interfere in situations like this,” Hatley told WSOC. “What matters is doing the right thing. We are too polarized.”
This was announced by the state DMV. queen city times: “The department took no action against the Lincolnton License Plate Agency and did not shut it down. The department received a complaint from a customer at this location last week and has been in contact with the operator. Monday. evening, the department received a letter from the operator stating that he wishes to close his office and retire. Following this notification, the department will soon begin an application period to find a new operator for the Lincoln County License Plate Agency. intend to do something.”
Image credit: ©Getty Images/Serge Randall
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
