Cochran went against the city policy of being granted formal permission to publish his book as is required of his office. City officials said the book caught them completely unaware when it was published. Apparently, the city's ethics officer, Niana Hickson, knew about it, saying that Cochran had requested permission to publish the book but she did not grant it. Cochran disputes this, claiming he was given "verbal permission" by Hickson that absolved him of any further responsibility to pursue official permission.

After the book was published, several of Cochran's employees complained to the mayor's office that Cochran had been handing out copies to his colleagues and subordinates. Even the mayor's executive assistant was sent one. The city of Atlanta has a very clear non-discrimination policy, and the mayor was rightfully concerned that Cochran was putting the city at risk for violations that could lead to legal jeopardy. Cochran was suspended and the city opened up an investigation into the matter. During the investigation, Cochran was ordered to undergo sensitivity training and warned not to speak to the media or any other other group about the matter. Being such a reasonable Christian, Cochran couldn't shut up.

During his suspension, Cochran spoke to several Atlanta churches about his "persecution," garnering all manner of support from his peeps. When Cochran's suspension was up last Tuesday, he returned to work and Mayor Reed promptly fired him.

Despite my respect for Chief Cochran’s service, I believe his actions and decision-making undermine his ability to manage our fire department. Every single employee under the Fire Chief’s command deserves the certainty that he or she is a valued member of the team and that fairness and respect guide employment decisions. His actions around the book and his statements during this investigation have eroded my confidence in his ability to convey that message. His religious (beliefs) are not the basis of the problem. His judgment is the basis of the problem.

Since then, the familiar faces of bigotry have been coming out of the woodwork to claim Kelvin Cochran as a valuable prize in their bogus mission to portray themselves as victims of state-sanctioned persecution. The Family Research Council , Redstate's Erick Erickson , the National Organization for Marriage , Fox News' Todd Starnes , and the far-right elements of the Catholic Church are all jumping on this story, hoping to make January payroll by declaring Cochran a victim of out-of-control secularism. It's their new ka-ching and they are poised to exploit it.

All of these faux hopping-mad claims of religious persecution were overshadowed this week by the joy in Florida and the tragedy that unfolded in Paris. Despite their bad timing, expect these players will not be letting this story go any time soon. It will be pointed to time and time again as proof that Christians are one innocent remark away from being hauled off in box cars.

Calls to sign petitions to reinstate Cochran are flying around the internet. With each telling of his story, his persecution becomes more dire and urgent. The very foundations of Christianity are at stake. Won't you send a few dollars? Clearly, the religious right is gearing up to highlight this as their most high-profile casualty to date. Fortunately, it also provides a clear example of a city official overstepping the boundaries of what is and isn't acceptable behavior in the public sphere.