The Salem News - Park Service Rescinds Permit Requirement for Baptisms

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By Unknown

The National Park Service will no longer require permits for baptisms on rivers in the Ozark National Riverways, according to an announcement Thursday from the office of congressman Jason Smith (R-Salem).

"Today's decision by the park service is a victory for common sense," said Smith. "The notion that permits would be required for baptisms on our riverways is ridiculous. I appreciate (ONSR) Superintendent Bill Black's quick response to my request to rescind the permit requirement, and I want to continue working with him and the folks who live along the rivers to preserve our traditions and rural way of life."

Smith was notified of the reversal in letter from Black dated Aug. 22.

"As of today the park's policy has been clarified to state that no permit will be required for baptisms within the Riverways," said Black's letter to Smith.

A story about the required permit and objections from some churches was published in The Salem News Aug. 20 and on the newspaper's web site, thesalemnewsonline.com, the same day.

Over 5,000 people read the story on the web site within 48 hours, and thousands more read it in the newspaper and spread it on facebook and other social media sites.

Smith reacted immediately and made his request of Black.

"We have closely reviewed the National Park Service Policy and have determined that as superintendent I have the option to require a special use permit for baptisms and other activities within the park," Black wrote.

"We have reviewed our past practice of issuing special use permits and determined that I have the flexibility within agency policy to allow the baptisms without a permit.

"We also share your concern for the continuation of this traditional use of the rivers. As of today the park's policy has been clarified to state that no permit will be required for baptisms within the riverways."

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