Restoration News has announced that "Christ on the Water," a religious painting, is being restored to public display at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy following its controversial removal. The report was published in an article.
The painting, created in 1944 by U.S. Maritime Service Lt. Hunter Wood, depicts Jesus guiding sailors through stormy seas. It had been displayed in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's Wiley Hall for nearly 80 years until it was moved to a basement in 2023 following complaints about its religious imagery. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the painting is now being returned to its original location.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the restoration of the painting to its original location in Wiley Hall. During a speech to midshipmen, Duffy emphasized the painting's historical significance and the importance of honoring the academy's heritage. The announcement was met with applause from the audience.
Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, had previously advocated for the painting's removal, citing concerns over religious endorsement. After the decision to restore the painting, Weinstein criticized the move and the midshipmen who supported it. His comments sparked further debate over religious expression in military institutions.
Restoration News is a media outlet that covers developments in U.S. politics, culture, and religious freedom, often focusing on stories involving conservative and Christian values. It provides news and analysis on issues affecting faith communities and their role in public life.
