Time to take the plunge Oct 19, 2009
Last we read, it was the right to live in a nation where "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Implicit in that is not having religious views concerning marriage imposed on citizens by those like the Alliance Defense Fund. As for the interests of New York taxpayers, the lawmakers who were elected to represent their interests could save some small measure of public funds by not leaving it to other governments and the courts... (Albany Times Union)
13 October 2009 Transcript of Elder Dallin H. Oaks speech given at BYU-Idaho on 13 October 2009. (9) Oct 18, 2009
"For the rights and protection of all flesh" the United State Constitution includes in its First Amendment the guarantees of free exercise of religion and free speech and press ... The First Amendment reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The prohibition against "an establishment of religion" was intended to separate churches and government, to prevent a national church of the kind still found in Europe ... In the... (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Leader likens anti-Mormonism to Southern racism in '60s Oct 16, 2009
Oaks said the free exercise of religion is threatened by those who believe it conflicts with "the newly alleged 'civil right' of same-gender couples to enjoy the privileges of marriage." ... He said that if "a candidate is seen to be rejected at the ballot box primarily because of religious belief or affiliation, the precious free exercise of religion is weakened at its foundation ...". (USA Today -- News)
Non-Christians May Find This Cross Hard to Bear Oct 14, 2009
They believe most church-state disputes are political correctness run amuck, obstacles to the free exercise of religion, the result of an erroneous parsing of constitutional language or some combination of those three. Why get so worked up over a cross in the Mojave Desert or school-sponsored prayer in classrooms. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Court ruling damages effort against driving while drunkMakes warrants necessary, could make being drunk a defense Oct 13, 2009
Newton is an Oregon Supreme Court drunken driving case under different circumstances which held that: Where a person s consent to a seizure is solicited, and the person consents only after being warned that he will suffer a substantial penalty if he refuses, the resulting consent cannot be regarded as a free exercise of will. We therefore hold that defendant s submission to the breath test was not a voluntary consent to seizure because it was coerced. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
In God I trust Oct 7, 2009
Pebbles wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:50 AM:" Facts: I agree not to be arguing so in-depth any longer. But, since you are all about FACTS, I wanted to see how you explain the wording of the 1st Constitution:"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"While wholeheartedly agree that our forefathers were allowing Christian as a religion, but it seems from the test that our forefathers were also saying our country did NOT have to have a... (Cameron Observer, MO)
Christian prayer excludes non-Christians Oct 4, 2009
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ... " ... anthropis wrote on Sep 28, 2009 11:39 AM:" Invocations prior to government meetings are a part of America's rich heritage, this tradition should be preserved for future generations. 85% or more of Lodi's population claim to be Christian and are open to having leaders of all faiths share an invocation at city council meetings.Americans should never be silenced, rather we should... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Texas judge rules gay marriage ban unconstitutional... Oct 3, 2009
" I guess polygamist should make the same arguments in Texas before this judge.","createdAt":"3 Oct 2009 00:59:39 GMT","fromUserId":13207592,"isDefaultUserIconUploaded":false,"isDisabled":false,"isVisible":true,"messageId":1000523,"pathToPhoto":"116995/icons/defaultMember_116995_portrait.jpg","reviewed":true,"updatedAt":"20091002061639","username":"fb_1078601665"},{"body":"Facebook User --- The Church is not losing membership in Texas, check your facts. The Church is losing membership in the US... (The Drudge Report)
Uncensored prayer is legally sound and right for Lodi Sep 30, 2009
Second, requiring people to refrain from acknowledging their particular religious beliefs deprives them of their free exercise of religion under the First Amendment ... Cogito wrote on Sep 24, 2009 1:14 PM:" Anthropis, I'm not against "prayer in the public square". What I'm against is publicly endorsed prayer, in a public building, by publicly elected representatives, doing official public business. In this forum, all citizens should be represented and respected, not just the religious ones. I'm... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Let's embrace our multiculturalism Sep 30, 2009
The First Amendment prohibits establishing any one religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religion in our country. It would be wrong for the City Council to only allow Christian ministers to offer opening prayers, but I am in favor of continuing to invite religious leaders from all faith communities and letting them pray in accordance with their own faith tradition. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
America is neither secular or theocratic Sep 30, 2009
LodiFreeThinker wrote on Sep 28, 2009 2:00 PM:" anthropis, Remember what I told you about facts in the other forum?Throw around your opinion all you want, but facts are verifiable as true or false. You really need to know if a fact is true or not before you speak, because if it is untrue, then you are a liar.Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802:"I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Local case exposes flaw in alcohol law Sep 30, 2009
Gandalf wrote on Sep 28, 2009 4:50 PM:" From lds.org, "We declare that from principle and policy, we favor: The absolute separation of church and state; No domination of the state by the church; No church interference with the functions of the state; No state interference with the functions of the church, or with the free exercise of religion; The absolute freedom of the individual from the domination of ecclesiastical authority in political affairs; The equality of all churches before the law.... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
How to be religious in public Sep 25, 2009
The First Amendment of our Constitution says Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. MARILENA STAUDENMAIER/For the Frontiersman Houston High School principal Mike Vrvilo chats with students. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Illinois High Court OKs "Jews Only" Will Sep 25, 2009
"Equal protection does not require that all children be treated equally ... and the free exercise clause does not require a grandparent to treat grandchildren who reject his religious beliefs and customs in the same manner as he treats those who conform to his traditions," Justice Rita Garman wrote in a ruling that overturned decisions by two lower courts. One disinherited granddaughter had argued it was improper for a will to set up conditions that promote religious intolerance in people's... (CBS News -- US)
LCMS students, teachers join in See You at the Pole devotional Sep 25, 2009
da'lake wrote on Sep 24, 2009 11:41 AM:" 1st amendement guarantees freedom OF religion,not freedom FROM religion. All it does is states that Congress (the federal law-making body) shall not establish a law respecting establishment of a religion or prohibit the free exercise thereof. NO WHERE in the 1st amendment does it state , or even imply, there will be a separation of church and state or that religion is prohibited from any govt. land or institution. This whole controversy is base on a farce... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Tribal chairman refuses to comment on legality of reporter's removal from open meeting Sep 24, 2009
In the tribe s constitution, under Article II Individual Rights it states in Section 1 that The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, in exercising powers of self governance, shall NOT: Make or enforce any law prohibiting the free exercise of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. When it comes to open meetings, however, the Tribal Code of Law states in Chapter 10 Open Meetings under 6. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Christmas Jobs Sep 23, 2009
Plus free exercise thrown in with the wage packet. Take on a second job by doing dog-walking at the same time, and earn double cash. (Suite101.com)
One for the environment Sep 22, 2009
Why say no to free exercise. But seriously, if you live/work on the 27th floor then please, don't push yourself too hard. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Obama: Health care anger not motivated by his race Sep 19, 2009
FOOD, CLOTHING, HOUSING, HEALTHCARE." I agree with this statement with several provisos. Those being that if they are able bodied and work or contribute to society in some way. The problem is that the rampant feeling of entitlement within our society. I exist therefore you owe me food, clothing, housing and healthcare. This feeling of entitlement runs through out society. From the welfare recipient who refuses to be productive to the CEO who feels they are entitled to outrageous salaries while... (Longview Daily News, WA)
War-tested soldiers on a holy mission Sep 17, 2009
I am sick and tired of these idiots that try to take away our rights"How does preventing the Government from respecting one religion over another infringe upon your individual right to the free exercise of religion? Did you personally put the cross up? " ... Desertman wrote on Sep 16, 2009 8:14 PM:" simplyme wrote did you red the part that says or PROHIBIT THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF?Unfortunately, the free exercise of religion applies to individuals, not the government. The government is... (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Use Ike's Test: Is It Good For America? Sep 16, 2009
Also on the list are dumbed-down schools, declining skill levels, mass illegal immigration, disintegrating cultural unity, reverse racial discrimination, increasing inequality before the law, interference with the free exercise of religion, restrictions on political speech, election fraud and tampering and a tax code designed to do the maximum amount of collateral damage to the economy per dollar of revenue raised. If not stopped, government bureaucrats will soon be running hospitals, telling... (Investors Business Daily)
Just say no to hate radio Sep 12, 2009
Gary R. Olsen wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:48 AM:" What do you listen to John? It sounds like you and Obama would be good buds John! Ya both hate freedom! John, I hate cutting and pasting but here's a refresher from the constitution from Wikipedia.Org for you John: " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. (This part's for you John: ) or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; ( :That part above was for you John). (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Journalists to benefit from GETFund Sep 11, 2009
Some of the achievements, he reiterated, included 50 per cent increase in the capitation grant per pupil, GH13 million for the School Feeding Programme, and over GH11 million for free exercise books and school uniforms. Mr. Ablakwa said government had also decided to pay full tuition fees for all teachers who would be pursuing further studies through distance learning, adding that the decision was to ensure that teachers stayed in the classroom to teach while learning. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Four Men Sentenced to a Combined 293 Months in Prison for Election Night Assaults Sep 11, 2009
"Free exercise of the right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and a fundamental civil right that the FBI will always safeguard vigorously.". The government's case is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Special Litigation Counsel Kristy L. Parker and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pamela K. Chen and Margo K. Brodie for the Eastern District of New York. (PR Newswire)
No repentance for this Liberal (85) Sep 7, 2009
I believe the government should have no hand in supporting or discouraging the free exercise of any religion. I believe decisions about human reproduction should be made only by women and their doctors, with no involvement by the government. (Boerne Star, TX)
Cheney: CIA Abuse Probe a Political Act Aug 31, 2009
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2009. Says Justice Dept's Effort to Investigate Torture of Detainees 'Offends the Hell Out of Me. (CBS News)
Honduran Government Wages Campaign of Fear and Intimidation, Human Rights Group Alleges Aug 27, 2009
The report, by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), found instances of sexual violence, excessive use of military force, arbitrary detention and several confirmed deaths and so-called "disappearances." The IACHR also alleged that the government has threatened, detained and beaten members of the media, creating "an atmosphere of intimidation that inhibits the free exercise of freedom of expression.". "Given the ongoing abuses documented by the Commission and the lack of... (ABC News)
LETTER: Engle hit the free speech nail on the head Aug 26, 2009
Let s re-read the first amendment: 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. I guess I don t see where it says that the right to assemble and petition the government is un-American. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
Parochial pupil can play in Burrell band Aug 26, 2009
Samuel J. Cordes, the lawyer for Alexander, argued that the decision violated the student's First Amendment right to free exercise of religion and 14th Amendment right to equal protection ... "That appears to this court to be a burden on the free exercise of religion," she said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Three arrested in separate marijuana-related drug raids (727) Aug 25, 2009
Bill Harris wrote on Aug 24, 2009 11:36 AM:" Debaters debate the two wars as if Nixons civil war on Woodstock Nation didnt yet run amok. One neednt travel to China to find indigenous cultures lacking human rights or to Cuba for political prisoners. America leads the world in percentile behind bars, thanks to ongoing persecution of hippies, radicals, and non-whites under banner of the war on drugs. If were all about spreading liberty abroad, then why mix the message at home? Peace on... (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
Once-proud civil rights group sinks low Aug 25, 2009
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Larry. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Evolution from 'games' to 'sports' can create problems Aug 22, 2009
Many will say these progressions exhibit a free exercise of the competitive spirit, and that is a good thing. Others are dismayed by their more infantile or excessive manifestations. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Seven vie for North Logan Council Aug 22, 2009
We live in a day of pressure on our rights and liberties with ever-expanding, burdensome laws and challenges to our free exercise of conscience, right and control of property and ability to protect life. My goal as city councilman is to preserve our rights and liberties while focusing city government on the priorities and needs of the people of North Logan. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Forums are needed Aug 21, 2009
Article 1 of the Bill of Rights clearly states the following: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ... .". The first part of this statement has been construed to mean that there must be a separation of church and state in the United States and the second part permits the free exercise of religion ... Today, we see the first part enlarged to the extent of saying that the "free exercise thereof" must be curtailed so that the... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
The price of fitness?For now, just sweat Aug 20, 2009
UGA offers free exercise classes for a few days in hopes of healthier participation. By Lee Shearer | lee. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Aaron Miller: Letter writer wrong about meeting prayer Aug 16, 2009
As for Clark s lesson on the First Amendment, what about the part that says no law shall prohibit the free exercise of religion. You don t have to go far to hear scathing, hateful remarks about Christians, and that is scary. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Letters to the editor Aug 15, 2009
Re "Pray away but not as part of council meeting" (Viewpoints, Aug. 11): Bruce Maiman argues against public prayers in Lodi by quoting the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The Lodi City Council is not the Congress. The First Amendment prohibits the federal government from establishing a national religion. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Do we really have a Constitution? Aug 14, 2009
Amendment I: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." If I am correct, the courts of this land are under the power of this amendment. Yet the ACLU is trying to do away with our Christian religion by going through the courts. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
Huckabee: Dems at Fault for Town Hall Disruptions Aug 14, 2009
"Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer say let the facts be heard. At least they have that right. The American people have shown up at hundreds of town hall meetings to do just that. They want to voice their opinions and listen to what their Representatives in Congress have to say. Huckabee wrote that an American voicing their opinion at a meeting with their representative, even in a loud and raucous manner, is not disruptive. In fact, the right to freedom of expression is guaranteed by the First... (Newsmax)
HUAC is Back! HUAC is Back! Aug 12, 2009
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. . (Townhall.com)
Pelosi, Hoyer call protests 'Un-American' Aug 11, 2009
"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.". This laid out freedom of religion, of speech, of press, and of protest. (FOX61, CT)
Bruce Maiman: Pray away - but not as part of council meeting Aug 11, 2009
That may be true statistically, but the First Amendment doesn't use statistics to declare, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." If you frequently pray at a public meeting in the tradition of one particular faith, you are respecting the establishment of religion. The real question here, one that I've never had successfully answered: Why must we mix religion with politics at all. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Committees wait for Zunker memorial decision Aug 8, 2009
subscriber wrote on Aug 7, 2009 4:26 PM:" This is a free speech issue. Mr. Zunker's sentiments are protected by our constitution. "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. " Nobody is establishing a religion here. Let the monument stay. ". (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Two opposing sides gather to share views on Lodi council's prayer policy (1653) Aug 7, 2009
Contrapasso wrote on Aug 6, 2009 2:10 PM:" The constitution of the United States does not prohibit religious expression in a public forum: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.Sorry folks, but being offended by other people's speech is not a constitutional right.... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Prayer showdown (1803) Aug 6, 2009
" wtf wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:27 PM:" anthropis wrote: "We are indeed testing the Constitution here, it's lofty words and history prior to the present overwhelmingly support Religious Freedom and the free exercise thereof...." ... " anthropis wrote on Aug 4, 2009 11:39 AM:" We are indeed testing the Constitution here, it's lofty words and history prior to the present overwhelmingly support Religious Freedom and the free exercise thereof ... Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Prayer rallies to be held tonight before the Lodi council meeting Aug 6, 2009
prohibiting the free exercise of religion' 1st Amendment. Our founding fathers had absolutely no idea that the courts would violate the separation of powers and immerse themselves into the role of law makers. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Family sues school over band membership Aug 5, 2009
Alexander Trefelner, who filed the suit along with his parents against the Burrell School District, said he is being denied his right to free exercise of religion. According to the complaint, Alexander, who also plays in the Westmoreland County Band, the Alle-Kiski honors band, and the Wind and Jazz Ensemble at Seton Hill College, was chosen last year to participate in the high school marching band while still only in eighth grade in the district. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
In church vs. neighbors, bells begin the fight Aug 2, 2009
Applying it to church bells, he said, violated Painter's rights to speech and the free exercise of religion. The Municipal Court judge, Lori Metcalf, was not swayed by the broader arguments. (AZCentral -- News)
Obama Goes Easy on Shoe Bomber Jul 31, 2009
Because they were a violation of Reid's First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of his religion, of course. "So the would-be suicide bomber went on a hunger strike and got results: a cave-in from the Obama Justice Department.". (Newsmax)
A history of religion in America Jul 31, 2009
Our Declaration of Independence states that our inalienable rights come from our "Creator." Our First Amendment begins, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.". Many of the original colonies had established religions, as did England the Anglican religion. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Jefferson Gallaher: Public prayer isn’t unconstitutional Jul 30, 2009
When you read the First Amendment, it states Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, but that is what the federal courts system is doing in its rulings. The Tribune encourages letters to the editor on current issues. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Freedom from Religion Foundation pleased by Lodi council's efforts to remove Christ references from invocations Jul 28, 2009
oldmanriver wrote on Jul 25, 2009 3:10 PM:" The text in question: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 question is, if your city council was praying to Allah, would you have the same reaction. ". ordinarycitizen wrote on Jul 25, 2009 2:06 PM:" If Pastor Cummins... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
The Rev. Wiley Drake should not be welcome in Lodi (419) Jul 21, 2009
" Once again, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. " The "free exercise" part of this amendment couldn't be clearer. The Freedom from Religion Foundation, along with many others is attempting to pervert the intentions of the Founders by forcing their own idea on religion upon the people; that idea being a government devoid of the right to exercise that which is specifically provided for in the very document that governs... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Sotomayor has mixed record on church-state disputes Jul 19, 2009
The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of , said Sotomayor seems to seriously consider the First Amendment's protections for the "free exercise" of religion, along with other legal principles. "Certainly on the free exercise side she is nuanced," he said. (USA Today)
We are a republic, not a democracy Jul 17, 2009
Cogito wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:18 AM:" Duane, while I agree with the majority of your letter, I do not agree that our Constitution was written to keep religion out of government. I believe it was written to keep government out of religion. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". It really is two different things. Just as I believe the US is a nation founded by Christians, not a Christian nation. Our founding fathers did not... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Health briefs Jul 15, 2009
FREE EXERCISE: First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside hosts a free Active Older Adults rs exercise class twice weekly, funded by the County of San Diego Aging endent Services. Classes are from 9-10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and Fridays; strengthen major muscle groups and learn about the benefits of exercise, health and fitness. (North County Times)
Sotomayor enters a new era in politics Jul 13, 2009
Religion: The Constitution guarantees free exercise of religion and forbids government from the "establishment of religion." Tests of religious rights have been among the most contentious areas of the law ... On the separate issue of free exercise, cases involving how much religious organizations can determine who they employ are heading to the high court. (USA Today)
National groups prepared to head to court on council's prayer policy (1872) Jul 11, 2009
Markparsec wrote on Jul 4, 2009 11:55 AM:" The name of Ms. Gaylor's organization, the Freedom FROM Religion Foundation, identifies the foundation's intentions to undermine the First Ammendment of the US Constitution which states: 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... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
ACLU chides local jail Group accuses the Rappahannock Regional Jail of unconstitutionally censoring inmates' mail by cutting out references to the Bible. Jul 10, 2009
According to the letter, the ACLU argues, "Jails may limit detainees' right to free speech and free exercise only through restrictions 'reasonably related to legitimate penological interests such as jail security.'". Joining the ACLU as signers of the letter are organizations including the Rutherford Institute, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and Prison Fellowship. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Catholic Law School Claims Professors Are Ministers Jul 10, 2009
In the latest twist to the two-year-old suit filed in state court by a three former professors, Tom Monaghan, the school's founder and financier, filed a motion last month claiming that the law professors are "ministerial." Therefore, he argues, because the school is a religious institution, the administration over these minister-professors is exempt from civil trial court under the "Establishment and Free Exercise of religious clauses of the First Amendment.". Monaghan also claims that the... (Law.com)
Separation anxiety Jul 5, 2009
His is an unabashedly liberal bias: wary of the government s sponsorship of religion and predisposed to see it as encroaching unacceptably on the free exercise of religion. Wexler treats religion respectfully, proposing that public schools teach far more about it as a way of promoting tolerance. (Boston Globe)
Snub is political Jul 5, 2009
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (First Amendment). Despicable' comments. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Breakaway churches file appeal with U.S. Supreme Court Jun 29, 2009
"The First Amendment says Congress shall pass no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Even though it says Congress, that amendment has been interpreted as applicable to the states as well," the scholar said ... "We will also be arguing that denying the local church community their ability to organize and hold title to their own building and conduct their religious services in a manner they see fit, this California decision violates their right to... (North County Times)
R.I. May End Link To Slavery Past Jun 27, 2009
It's true that the term "separation of church and state" is not a direct quote from the Constitution; however, it is a modern term referring to the Framers' intent when they wrote "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Similarly, many modern scholars use the term "right to privacy", when the word "privacy" appears nowhere in the actual text of the Constitution. (CBS News)
Prayer in public is granted by Constitution Jun 25, 2009
Our U.S. Constitution's First Amendment (1791) 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." ... Christianity is the bedrock foundation of this nation, like it or not, and Christians cannot be prohibited from the open free exercise of it, nor have our right to... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
