Winchester Citizens United
for Separation of Church & State
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FAQs

Question:
The constitution does not say anywhere that separation of church and state is a law. In  addition, since the First Amendment states that "congress" shall not make laws regarding establishment of religion, then the prohibition does not apply to the states.

Reply:
You are wrong on both points.  As to your first point: the US Supreme Court has reaffirmed several times the separation as law. For example, in the 1947 case of Everson v. Board of Education of Ewing, the Supreme Court stated,  "In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect a wall of separation between church and state"  That clearly made such separation a constitutional requirement.  On your second point: The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, prohibits states from passing any laws contrary to the Bill of Rights, which includes the First Amendment's requirement of church-state separation.



Question:
Prayer is common in many settings, including Congress and the Senate. President Bush encourages prayer in many situations.  So what is wrong with keeping this tradition?

Reply:
Just because some of our government officials have blatantly disregarded their oath to uphold the Constitution, and because it may be accepted in other settings, does not mean its right or legal.  Politicians are easily coerced by their colleagues. Intimidation works wonders. Sure, there are many setting where it is proper.  Non-government settings in which everyone has voluntarily attended.  Prayer in government functions is wrong and constitutionally illegal.  Look at it this way... just because slavery was practiced for 100 years, did that make it right?  Just because discrimination based on skin color was practiced for 100 years did that make it right?  Just because women were denied the right to vote for 150 years, did that make it right?  I'm sure some would have claimed that it was "political correctness carried to extremes" to ask for a women's right to vote!


Question:
I have never heard of anyone complaining at Town Meetings about this before. Don't the majority of us have the right to pray before the town meeting? Don't you believe in majority rule?

Reply:
We are aware of at least 5 TM members who are opposed to the opening prayer. The fact that they have kept silent about it is an indication of the degree of intimidation generated by Mr Sullivan's actions. 

Yes.... we believe in majority rule, but religion holds a special place in this country.  We have majority rule in deciding political issues, not religious issues, and not under the authority of the government. This is exactly what the constitution was designed to prohibit.  NO... the majority does NOT have the right to force their religious beliefs or rituals on any minority even a minority of one.  That's what America is all about.

 

 



Winchester Citizens United
for Separation of Church & State

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