Monument Moving...at least in Court

The author standing beside the contested monument pointing out areas of  corrected spelling
Photo courtesy of David Glover

Dr. Bruce Prescott, along with Jim Huff, was a founding member of the Oklahoma City chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church & State (www.au.org).  Both men are among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Oklahoma affiliate to challenge the placement of the alleged privately-funded Ten Commandments monument on the north side of the Capitol Building.

Here is a link posted by Bruce on his blog containing a portion of his affidavit filed this week in Oklahoma County District Court.

http://okfaith.blogspot.com/2014/08/oklahoma-ten-commandments-monument.html

Though atheist myself I can sympathize with the diminution of religious belief conveyed by secular courts as outlined in paragraph 7 of the affidavit:

7.      Many Baptists, as well as many other people of faith -- Jewish, Christian and Muslim -- continue to affirm that the Ten Commandments are properly understood to be the terms of a religious covenant between God and people of faith.   Among them some, like myself, are horrified when attempts are made to have secular courts of law rule that the terms of this sacred and holy covenant no longer have any religious significance and meaning.   In the long run, I believe the effect of such rulings serves to undermine sincere faith by trivializing the value of religious covenants.

This additional link from the ACLU of Oklahoma frames the argument being made for removing the monument from public property:

http://acluok.org/2013/08/aclu-of-oklahoma-challenges-state-capitol-ten-commandments-monument/

“The monument’s placement at the Capitol has created a more divisive and hostile state for many Oklahomans,” said Ryan Kiesel, ACLU of Oklahoma’s Executive Director. “When the government literally puts one faith on a pedestal, it sends a strong message to Oklahomans of other faiths that they are less than equal.” 

The lawsuit, filed in Oklahoma County District Court, seeks to have the religious monument removed, citing the constitutional prohibition on using state property to support particular religions or sects.

Author's note:  All comments and excerpts are chosen by me and should  be read as reflecting my views.