Citizens Project

Freedom Watch Online  January 2010
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 Jan
uary 16 "Religious Freedom Day," commemorating the adoption of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statue on Religious Freedom in 1786. There areChampagne 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 Court
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 Champagnedepartment'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!
You're Invited: Citizens Project's Divine Award
Invitation
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
In This Issue
Religious Freedom Day
City Banner Policy Revision
Divine Award
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