Proponents of Religious Freedom Day Missing Half the Picture
By Barb Van Hoy, Citizens Project Executive Director
Each year since 1994, the U.S. President has declared January 16 "Religious Freedom Day," commemorating the adoption of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statue on Religious Freedom in 1786. There are two fundamental aspects of religious freedom but proponents of Religious Freedom Day seem to emphasize only one: freedom of expression, and they focus on public schools. They assert that the "main message students need to hear is that they shouldn't feel like they have to be 'undercover' about their religion." Indeed, Jefferson's statute maintains that "all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of Religion."
However, let us not forget the other side of the coin, and the other message of Jefferson's statute: he warned against the "impious presumption of legislators and rulers" who "impose [their opinions and thinking] on others." Jefferson understood that a nation can only preserve religious liberties when a wall of separation between church and state is kept intact. If the government can either promote or diminish a religious doctrine, then our freedom can be curtailed. Unfortunately, this part of Jefferson's Statute tends to be disregarded, and in recent years, advocates of Religious Freedom Day have appeared to advocate the incorporation of religion in government-funded schools. And they make sure no one confuses this with respecting religious diversity. Their materials state in no uncertain terms, "Religious Freedom Day is not "celebrate-our-diversity-day."" Are they only concerned with some people's freedom?
Jefferson's insights helped pave the way for a U.S. Constitution that preserves everyone's individual liberties and protects us from a tyrannical government. The First Amendment's Establishment Clause outlines the government's requirement of neutrality: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." We need both. The continued preservation of government neutrality - aka the separation of church and state - is necessary to ensure that free expression is possible for ourselves and our children. |
Citizens Project advocates for First Amendment protections in new city code covering banners on public property.
Citizens Project participated in the Colorado Springs city planning department's first stakeholder group meeting on January 14 to revise the city's code governing signage, including banners on public rights-of-way. CP's Barb Van Hoy was interviewed for KRDO Channel 13's news story about the issue. (Click here to view story.)
Citizens Project became involved when we received complaints about "Jesus is Alive!" banners posted downtown on city-owned light poles, and we learned the city had no policy covering such banners.
Citizens Project is playing a vital role by ensuring that planners and community stakeholders understand how the First Amendment applies to banners in the public right-of-way. We will work to make sure the new code protects religious freedom and ensures government religious neutrality. The process will include one or more public hearings and will culminate in city council approval of the new city code. Citizens Project will urge our supporters to attend the public hearings and write to their city council representatives when the proposal is introduced. Stay tuned and join our Activist Network to get timely updates!
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You're Invited: Citizens Project's Divine Award
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Get Involved: Board & Job Opportunities
The Pikes Peak Library District is currently accepting applications for Board of Trustees member
The Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees is a seven-member volunteer board responsible for setting library policies, setting the library's budget, and hiring an executive director to oversee the operation of the library district. PPLD serves all of El Paso County except the city of Manitou Springs and Widefield School District 3. The application deadline is February 5 at noon. Applications are available at PPLD's Web site at ppld.org, and should be mailed to: Pikes Peak Library District; Attention: Board Applications; P.O. Box 1579; Colorado Springs, CO 80901.
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners is seeking a community-minded citizen volunteer to serve on the Highway Advisory Commission.
The Highway Advisory Commission needs an individual to represent commissioner District 3, which encompasses the west side of El Paso County, including Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls, Colorado Springs, and unincorporated areas such as Turkey Creek. The commission considers highway and road needs throughout the county, and advises the Board of County Commissioners in matters involving policy and philosophy related to county transportation operations and activities. It consists of nine regular members and three associate members appointed by the El Paso County Board of Commissioners.
The volunteer application is located at www.elpasoco.com and can be accessed by clicking on the "Volunteer Boards" link. Applicants are asked to reference the board and position they want to represent and include a mailing address and daytime phone number. Send completed applications and letters of interest and/or r�sum�s by January 29, 2010 to: Board of County Commissioners; Attn: Frances St. Germain, County Administration Manager; 27 E. Vermijo Avenue,Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2208 | |
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Upcoming Events
Educating Children of Color Summit Saturday, January 16, 2010 8:00am - 4:30pm Colorado College Cost is $25 for professionals, high school students are free, parents who attend with their student are free Registration deadline is December 4, 2009. To learn more and to register, visit: www.educatingchildrenofcolor.org
Change Begins With Me
2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and March
Saturday, January 16, 2010
3:30 pm - 5:45 pm
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Terrance Carroll, Colorado's Speaker of the House of Representatives
Please meet at Armstrong Hall (14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado College Campus) at 3:30 for the march, with celebration to follow. Questions? Contact Jennifer @ 719-660-1435
"Beyond Equality: Dr. King's Dream of Social Justice and Peace" Martin Luther King Jr. All People's Breakfast Monday, January 18, 8:00am Colorado College's Worner Center Keynote Speaker: Eric Drummond, former Mayor of Manitou Springs Tickets are $7 in advance or at the door. To RSVP, get more information, or join the event team, contact Steve at [email protected].
A Celebration of History: Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Barack Obama's Inauguration Monday, January 18, 2010 Colorado Technical University, 4435 N. Chestnut St., Colorado Springs, CO Meet & Greet: 11:00 - 11:30am African American Resources: 11:30am - 12:30pm Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:30pm Cost: $25 per person Please RSVP by January 15, 2010 to Dr. James Tucker at 719-528-1954
Dialogue to Action Orientations
Free and open to the public
Orientation January 26, 5:00-7:00pm Gay and Lesbian Fund, RSVP to Carol Scott, [email protected]
Dream City 2020: Translating Dialogue into Action January 27, 11:30am-1:30pm RSVP to Becci Ruder [email protected]
Education: Increasing Parent Involvement January 27, 5:00pm-7:00pm Mitchell High School RSVP to Carol Scott [email protected]
International Conference on Spirituality and Culture Presented by the Colorado Ecospiritual Center and the International Center for Cultural Studies. Theme: "Building Bridges," focusing on Diversity, Dialoguing Techniques and Deepening our Understanding. Save the Date: May 14th and 15th, 2010
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Articles of Interest
California science center is sued for canceling a film promoting intelligent design
December 29, 2009
Los Angeles Times
Christian group wants 'self-mutilating' Obama appointee fired
January 8, 2010
The Raw Story
Same-sex marriage set for big day in federal court
January 11, 2010
The Washington Post
read it herePersonal focus as same-sex-marriage trial opens in California
January 12, 2010
New York Times
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