church-state separation
Church-state separationist Barry Lynn recounts his legal arguments in new memoirs
By Adelle M. Banks — April 3, 2023
(RNS) — 'It is people who are hurting, people who are outcasts, that appealed to me,' Lynn said.
The church-state divide, never a wall, isn’t about to fall
By Avi Shafran — June 29, 2022
(RNS) — The court long ago made clear the line of separation ‘is a blurred, indistinct, and variable barrier.’
San Diego lawsuit claims California’s ethnic studies curriculum promotes Aztec gods
By Alejandra Molina — September 7, 2021
(RNS) — ‘The fact that the Aztec religion is not formally organized and is non-Western in its origin does not excuse the constitutional violations,’ said attorney Robert E. Weisenburger.
Supreme Court determines cross on Maryland highway can stay
By Adelle M. Banks — June 20, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In a 7-2 decision, the high court determined that the Bladensburg Cross erected by the American Legion does not violate the Constitution’s establishment clause.
Prayer that mentioned Jesus 13 times sparks debate in Pennsylvania Legislature
By Bob Smietana — April 3, 2019
(RNS) — A prayer that mentioned Jesus 13 times — given just before the swearing-in of a Muslim state legislator — has caused controversy in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Religion or remembrance? Supreme Court to mull cross-shaped war memorial
By Adelle M. Banks — February 22, 2019
BLADENSBURG, Md. (RNS) — The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s decision and ruled that the monument had 'the primary effect of endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion.'
Save the clergy parsonage allowance!
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 10, 2017
Why shouldn't religion be taxed? It's a philosophical issue.
Preaching about guns? Get political!
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 5, 2017
Preachers can talk about the real world. Or, they can be irrelevant. You choose what kind of religion you want.
Church-state separationist Barry Lynn to retire
By Adelle M. Banks — March 15, 2017
(RNS) Over a quarter century, his name was often synonymous with liberal advocacy for secularism in the public square.
The ’Splainer: What is the Free Speech Fairness Act?
By Kimberly Winston — February 6, 2017
(RNS) Legislation introduced in Congress aims to 'restore' religious liberty in the pulpit. Will it? Let us 'Splain ...
The Obama presidency: ‘War on religion’ or ‘Amazing Grace’?
By Adelle M. Banks — January 9, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A president who had been viewed as reticent about his faith wowed many when he sang ‘Amazing Grace’ at a funeral for a Charleston, S.C., shooting victim. But his record on issues that matter to faith groups was mixed.
Catholic priest’s appointment as university president stuns French
By Tom Heneghan — December 22, 2016
PARIS (RNS) Almost anywhere else in France, a theologian could not have even been hired as a lecturer, much less rise to become a university president.
Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup
By Kimberly Winston — November 9, 2016
(RNS) Trump's victory is forcing them to rethink their strategy for coming elections.
The down-ballot issues people of faith were watching
By Kimberly Winston — November 4, 2016
(RNS) Marijuana, gun control, the death penalty and the minimum wage are some of the issues being highlighted by religious leaders.
After School Satan? Church-state group plays devil’s advocate in public schools
By Sally Morrow — October 18, 2016
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (RNS) Lucien Greaves wants After School Satan to mirror the success of Christian after-school clubs. But atheists can be just as leery of his creed. So what is Satanism anyway?
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