"They have initiated an investigation into that and there is some evidence of an individual that was doing that," said Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman.

According to a report from McClatchy News Service, a Marine in Falluja has been handing out coins with the Bible verse for a few days.


"Where will you spend eternity?" was on one side of the coin.

On the other was a Bible verse referring to Jesus (pbuh): "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16."

If true, the Marine would have violated U.S. military rules that prohibit the promotion of any religion, faith or practice.

Christians make up around 3 percent of the population in mostly Muslim Iraq.



Agencies