Special Report: Forum on separation of church and state

Special Report: Forum on separation of church and state
24 April, 2009

By Bryan Lower


Tulsa Interfaith Alliance hosted a forum to discuss the proposed Ten Commandments monument on the Oklahoma capital grounds.

The event: Tulsa Interfaith Alliance panel discussion on separation of church and state and the bill to approve a privately-funded Ten Commandments monument on the Oklahoma state capital grounds.

Date: Thursday, April 23rd, 2009.
Location: All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK.
Participants: Rev. Paul Ashby, Leah Farish, Dr. Tom Gray, Rep. Jeannie McDaniel and C.S. “Chuck” Thornton.
The panel was moderated by Professor Roger Randle.


Read the entire article here:
http://www.grindstonejournal.com/4-24-09special.html

AU Files Suit To Block Public School Graduation Ceremonies In WI

Americans United Files Suit To Block Public School Graduation Ceremonies In Wisconsin ChurchWatchdog Group Files Case On Behalf Of Local Families Who Object To Sectarian Venue For Public EventApril 22, 2009


Americans United for Separation of Church and State today filed a lawsuit in federal court to block a Wisconsin public school district from holding graduation ceremonies in the sanctuary of an evangelical church.The suit, filed on behalf of a graduating senior and several families in the district, challenges the Elmbrook School District’s decision to hold graduation ceremonies for Brookfield Central High School and Brookfield East High School at Elmbrook Church.“Public schools should schedule graduation ceremonies at public venues where families of all faiths or none will feel welcome,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United.

“Some parents and children do not feel comfortable attending commencement in this religious setting. Graduation is too important to leave some families out.”Elmbrook Church displays a large cross in its sanctuary, and the facility includes other religious iconography as well. Church officials have refused to cover the cross. On at least one occasion, members of the church passed out religious literature to graduation attendees in the lobby.

Read the full press release at au.org
http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=10397

How could it be anymore clear? -- "Civil" does not equal "religious" and that's a good thing!

How could it be anymore clear? --

"Civil" does not equal "religious"

and that's a good thing!

Poster's note: Here is a governor who is demonstrating his knowledge of the meaning of the First Amendment of the Constitution. According to Wikipedia-- ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Culver )--Chester John "Chet" Culver (born January 25, 1966) is the current Governor of the U.S. state of Iowa, having won the 2006 election. His assumption of office marks the first time that Democrats have simultaneously controlled both the executive and legislative branches of Iowa's state government since the 1965–1967 session of the Iowa General Assembly. Culver is also the first Democratic governor in Iowa since Nelson G. Kraschel in 1937 to be elected to succeed another Democrat. He was elected as the Federal Liaison for the Democratic Governors Association for 2008-2009. His father, John Culver is a former U.S. Senator from Iowa.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2009/04/7_2.php

Governor Culver Issues Statement on Supreme Court's Decision

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver today issued the following statement after reviewing the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision in Varnum v. Brien:

“I have carefully reviewed the Iowa Supreme Court's unanimous decision on civil marriage and discussed it with the Attorney General.“Let me begin by saying that I recognize that the issue of same-gender civil marriage is one that evokes strongly held beliefs and strong emotions both for and against.

These beliefs and feelings need to be respected. I hope that the views of those on all sides will be treated respectfully and will not be subjected to name-calling or fear-mongering, but instead will lead to rational discussion.“

complete at: http://www.governor.iowa.gov/news/2009/04/7_2.php

Iowa Supreme Court Ruling On Marriage Upholds Religious Liberty, Says Americans United

Press Release

Iowa Supreme Court Ruling On Marriage

Upholds Religious Liberty,

Says Americans United

Decision Reiterates That Religion Does Not Drive Public Policy,
Says Church-State Watchdog Group

April 3, 2009

Today’s Iowa Supreme Court decision striking down a state law banning same-sex marriage is a welcome reaffirmation of religious liberty, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.In its unanimous ruling, the Iowa high court makes it clear that religious denominations have a constitutional right to set their own rules about marriage but that civil law should reflect equal protection for all citizens and not be anchored in religious dogma.

“The court has reaffirmed religious liberty,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “The justices reminded us that religious groups are free to marry whomever they choose, but civil law cannot be based on any group’s theology.



Read the full press release at au.org
http://www.au.org/site/News2?abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=10375



Read the Iowa Supreme Court ruling (PDF) http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/Supreme_Court/Recent_Opinions/20090403/07-1499.pdf