U.S. soldiers assigned to Camp Marmal in northern Afghanistan said the removal of a cross from an Army chapel has created a "huge controversy" and at least one soldier called it a "direct attack against Christianity and Judaism."

A Pentagon spokesman told Fox News & Commentary that the cross was removed after someone complained. He also said the cross violated Army regulations.

"Military chapels have to be open to all denominations and as such can't have permanent symbols of one particular religion or another," said Commander Williams Speaks.

The chapel is used for general Protestant services and a Baptist church service. There is a smaller chapel used for other services. The camp also has a mosque and a German chapel that is used for Catholic services.

Speaks said the cross was erected about a month ago - but when questions were raised the Army unit's chaplain consulted the rules and "realized that taking it down was the appropriate thing to do."

Army Regulation 165-1, 12-3k states:"The chapel environment will be religiously neutral when the facility is not being used for scheduled worship. Portable religious symbols, icons, or statues may be used within a chapel during times of religious worship."

"Symbols are to be moved or covered when not in use during services. Distinctive religious symbols, such as crosses, crucifixes, the Star of David, Menorah, and other religious symbols will not be affixed or displayed permanently on the chapel interior, exterior, or grounds. Permanent or fixed chapel furnishings, such as the altar, pulpit, lectern, or communion rail will be devoid of distinctive religious symbols."

A soldier stationed at Camp Marmal contacted Fox News & Commentary and said soldiers are very upset that the cross was removed.

"My personal feeling is that it is a direct attack against Christianity and Judaism," said the soldier who asked not to be identified. "When you look at the regulation and you notice the four items directly quoted are crosses, crucifixes, the Star of David and the Menorah."

Source: Fox News