It's Our Country too
By Religious Institute, Section Flasher Diaries
Posted on Fri Sep 14, 2007 at 01:21:41 PM EST
Tags: sexuality, justice, Constitution, First Amendment, religious freedom
I often think that part of my commitment to sexual and social justice stems from my earliest experiences growing up Jewish in a predominately Christian community. In second grade, there was a "Hate Debbi Haffner" club, and I was taunted mercilessly by the Catholic girls in my class who were preparing for their first communion. I learned early on what it was to to be the outsider.
I was reminded of those feelings this week when I read the latest poll results from the First Amendment Center. They report that:
*65% of Americans believe that the nation's founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian nation.
*55% believe that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation.
And the number of people who believe that freedom to worship extends to all religious group is down 16% since 2000. Almost half believe that public schools should be able to put on Nativity re-enactments with Christian music.
That makes me still an outsider. Millions of other Americans who practice a non-Christian faith or don't practice at all too.
If this hurts you as it does me, go to First Freedom First and sign the petition after you read this.
And oh, if you are part of the 55%, here's what the Constitution says:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
Rev. Debra Haffner
