"In God We Trust."  Where Politics Meets Piety.

By Ken Burrows 

 

In May of 2010, Congressional Resolution 274 was introduced into the U.S. House, with its stated purpose being to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and to encourage the display of this motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions. The resolution garnered more than 100 co-sponsors, including Congressmen Doug Lamborn and Mike Coffman of Colorado. In June it was referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, with no formal action taken. It is almost certain to be reintroduced in the more right-leaning Congress of 2011.

 

What underlies this resolution? Do its rationales hold up under scrutiny? Might it cause any harm? It bears a closer look.

 

As with many resolutions, the rationales behind this one are found in its introductory whereas's. Resolution 274 makes clear its desire to put God front and center.  The language goes to great lengths to find support for the proposition both in current practice and in history. This, however, also uncovers the weakness, contradiction and potential harm marking this resolution.

 

Fudging the History

For example, one whereas states that "the sentiment 'In God We Trust' has been an integral part of United States society since its founding." It had no choice but to use the qualifying term "sentiment" because the motto as currently worded had no formal existence until it appeared on a two-cent coin during the time of the Civil War. This was largely in response to a Pennsylvania minister (Mark Richard Watkinson) who petitioned Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase to add "God" to coins because he (Watkinson) thought the war was God's punishment for the country failing to recognize the deity in the Constitution. Only in 1908 did a law pass requiring "In God We Trust" on all coins, and it wasn't required on paper money until 1957, about the time Congress voted to make "In God We Trust" the national motto.

 

The Blanket Inclusion that Excludes

Another whereas states that "in times of national challenge or tragedy, the people of the United States have turned to God as their source for sustenance, protection, wisdom, strength and direction." One cannot fail to note that the implicitly all-inclusive "the people" leaves out the millions of citizens who do not turn to God at these same times. They are obviously not included among the "We" in the motto. This does not trouble the resolution's supporters in the slightest since the motto pledges trust to their own preferred God. It's a fine but relevant point of marginalization that perhaps does not register in their minds.   

 

Wherefore the Constitution?

Next comes a whereas citing the Declaration of Independence as recognizing God to be the source of our rights. Tellingly, the resolution does not cite the Constitution as the source of our rights, even though it supersedes the Declaration for this purpose. Why the omission? Because the Constitution is, by conscious intent of its writers, a secular document that doesn't mention God and it sources our rights in "We the people." (Interesting side note: the Declaration was signed by only one minister, Rev. John Witherspoon, who went on to play an influential role in church-state separation.) The resolution does mention the Constitution, taking an oblique swipe at it by saying it "rejects the notion that the laws and Constitution of the United States require the exclusion of God from matters of government and public life." This is a straw man argument because the laws and Constitution do not require such exclusion to begin with; they merely define the acceptable parameters for inclusion so that individual rights and equality are protected. Overall, this failure to mention the Constitution as a source of rights and the accompanying backhanded reference to it lead one to ask why the resolution's drafters appear to be so uncomfortable with this document that espouses our most revered rights, freedoms, and principles of governance.

 

Read the full article here 

  

Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute

Citizens Project is proud to present the second annual Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute, a one day seminar on how the First Amendment to the US Constitution protects religious freedom in public schools. For teachers, students, parents, administrators, staff, school board members, and open to the public.

Saturday March 12, 2011
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Participants will learn:  

 - How the law defines religious freedom in the public school setting,  

 - Best practices for respecting all students' religious freedom, and

 - How to be an advocate for religious freedom in your school.

 

In-service credit for teachers and graduate credit is available. Lunch, textbook and supplemental materials are provided to all participants.

 

To receive information about the Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute, visit our website, email Kristy Milligan, or call us at (719) 520-9899.

      

Ready, Set, Vote!

The upcoming 2011 Colorado Springs Municipal Election is one of the most important local elections of the decade. This year, we'll elect a new strong mayor,  several council members, and vote on important measures that will impact the future of our city. As always, Citizens Project is proud to partner with other local organizations to bring you the information you need to make your voice heard at the ballot box!

• Check out our 2011 Municipal Election page for important dates, voter registration, and more!
• Look for our nonpartisan Voter Guide on March 10 on our website and in the Colorado Springs Independent.
• Attend our Citizens Project election forums on March 22 & 23, or learn about candidates and issues at other community forums. 

Thank you for helping ensure informed voting and civic participation in the Pikes Peak region! 

  

Get Involved

Citizens' Academy   

The Citizens' Academy is designed to enhance the police department's partnership with the community by providing an opportunity for citizens to learn about the various units of the police department and their responsibilities.  It is our hope to share some of our daily experiences with you. Participation in an optional "ride-along" program is also available where students may ride along with patrol officers to see the world through their eyes.

 

Must be over the age of 18 and pass a background check.

Visit our web site and complete the on-line application at http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=2684.  

    

Contact Officer Rob Campbell at 719-444-7410 

 

March 10th-May 19th 

 

Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM   

 

Volunteer needed to serve on Initiative Review Committee 

The City of Colorado Springs is looking for a volunteer to serve on the Initiative Review Committee (IRC).  The IRC is a three member committee appointed by City Council to review all citizen proposed initiatives submitted to the City Clerk for consideration to be placed on an election ballot.  Applicants should have expertise in election matters acquired through education and experience.

 

Send letters of interest and resumes before Friday, February 25, 2011 to mdevine@springsgov.com or mail to City Council; Attention Marti Devine Sletta; P.O. Box 1575; Colorado Springs, CO 80901.Or, fill out the Application for Appointment to a City Board, Committee or Commission, which can be found at www.SpringsGov.com by clicking on "Commissions and Committees" on the homepage.  (The application cannot be submitted online at this time.   

 

Please send to the e-mail or physical address above.)  For questions or more information, please call (719) 385-5453.

               

Volunteers needed to serve on City/County Drainage Board

The City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County are seeking volunteers to fill an opening for an at-large position on the City/County Drainage Board. The City/County Drainage Board acts as an advisory board to City Council and the Board of County Commissioners regarding (1) subdivision codes and regulations relating to the drainage and control of flood and surface waters and (2)administration of the Subdivision Storm Drainage Funds. The Board also works closely with the City Engineer and the County Engineer. 

Send letters of interest and resumes by Friday, February 11, 2011 to mdevine@springsgov.com or mail to City Council; Attention Marti Devine Sletta; P.O. Box 1575; Colorado Springs, CO 80901.  Or, fill out the Application for Appointment to a City Board, Committee or Commission, which can be found at www.SpringsGov.com by clicking on "Commissions and Committees" on the homepage.  (The application cannot be submitted online at this time.  Please send to the email or physical address above.) 

For questions or more information, please call (719) 385-5453. 

 

  

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Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life  

Tuesday February 22, 6 - 7:30pm

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Speaker: Mark George, Iliff School of Theology, Denver

 

About the Center:
The primary aim of the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life is to foster a healthy and fruitful relationship between the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the surrounding community as it concerns religious issues and public life.  

 

"Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Tales"

by Dr. E. Patrick Johnson

Thursday, March 10

 7 pm -  Armstrong Theatre

This event is free and open to the public.

   
 

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