One thing I am hearing over and over again in the run-up to Justice Sunday II is talk about the separation of church and state. Multiple people have pointed to the separation of church and state in the US constitution as a reason that Justice Sunday II should not take place. I think that the separation of church and state is a very important part of the First Amendment should be taken seriously. Infringement of the First Amendment is a serious accusation and should be examined.
It is important to know exactly what the US Constitution says about the separation of church and state. It is a right that is granted in the First Amendment as was ratified on December 15th, 1971. The First Amendment in it’s entirety says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The part about religion is known as the Establishment Clause of the First Admemdment. It grants religion freedom from government. In a way it de-regulates religions in the US.
Event the strictest secular interpretation of the First Amendment would not prevent Justice Sunday II. While it is important (and in the US Constitution) that there be no state religion, it is also important that we not limit the activities of a religion, lest we be guilty of the free exercise of religion.
Justice Sunday II is an event by a church and not by the Government. While there may be politicians in attendance, my understanding thus far is that no politician is using their political authority to organize Justice Sunday II or to speak on it’s behalf.
So, from where I sit it does not appear that Justice Sunday II infringes on the First Amendment. If someone has information to the contrary I would be happy to see it.
