Area clergy cope with Iraq war

Though Crofton ministers are supporting U.S. troops in Iraq, they say the war has challenged them to reconcile devotion to country with their devotion to God.

In churches across the area, pastors said they have struggled to tailor their messages to their congregations.

"We are Christians first and Americans second," said the Rev. Jon Fregger, minister of Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church.

He empathizes with the members of his congregation who work in the military and for the federal government.

And the Rev. Fregger believes that the cause to liberate the Iraqi people is just. His concern, however, is over the...