Prayer cards tradition of Alaska Airlines ends, Sarah Palin reacts

Prayer cards given to American Airlines passengers

Alaska Airlines is ending its prayer cards tradition.

According to the airline company, it will cease its 30-year practice of handing out prayer cards with meals to its passenger after receiving feedback from customers who prefer not to mix religion with transportation.

"Some customers were comforted by the cards and some didn't feel religion was appropriate on the plane and preferred not to receive one," Alaska Airlines spokesperson Bobbie Egan told the Associated Press.

The airline said the change will take effect starting February 1st.

"Religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice," the airline wrote in an email sent to its frequent flyers.

Via her Facebook page, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin released a statement regarding the discontinuation of the airline tradition.

"It feels so odd that some may be offended by a little card with an encouraging non-denominational verse from the Psalms, but how often do we hear complaints about tawdry ads or billboard images flashing at us everywhere we turn?," Palin wrote. "People of faith and common decency just shrug and move on from the constant assault on their sensibilities; we don't call for censorship -- at least I don't."

Palin continued, "So, why in this day and age must every reference to faith in God be censored from the public square? Why must a private company buckle under pressure from a handful of people who find a little card saying “the Lord is my shepherd” offensive? I’m sure there are many more people who appreciate the cards, or at least are ambivalent about them."

The politician also attached an email she sent to Alaska Airlines, appealing the airline not to discontinue the prayer cards.

"It’s come to my attention that the cards may be discontinued due to a few who are offended. I really hope this is just a rumor. Please remain strong and courageous in the face of a cultural trend that wants to wage war on any positive thing that a few may construe as offensive. The Alaska Airlines tradition should be looked upon as an all-American, hopeful, encouraging gesture. Please don’t discontinue the cards." Palin's email reads.