Author: Charles C. Haynes
The Supreme Court’s Peace Cross: Here’s the Important Backstory
Yes, the First Amendment and state constitutions prohibit government establishment of religion. But for much of our early history, the United States was a semi-established Protestant country.
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Bible Literacy or Bible Wars?
Yes, Mr. President, biblical literacy can be part of a public school education – if, and only if, schools are prepared to do it right under the First Amendment.
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On Religious Freedom Day: Religious Pluralism is our Strength
National Religious Freedom Day is celebrated every year on Jan. 16. It comes and goes with little fanfare. But 2019 might be a good year to start paying attention.
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Evangelical, Muslim, Jewish. It’s time we all renew our commitment to religious freedom.
Religious freedom can be a divisive issue, but it’s important. My group is renewing our commitment to the First Amendment, by signing this charter.
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“To bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance”
In a series of letters written in 1790, George Washington reassured Quakers, Catholics, Baptists and Jews that they would be safe under a government committed to religious freedom.
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At the Supreme Court, a day of infamy for religious freedom
The 5-4 decision in Trump v. Hawaii is nothing less than a proclamation that hostility toward Islam and discrimination against Muslims is now the official policy of the United States of America.
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“Welcoming the stranger” in the age of Trump
Religious individuals and communities offer sanctuary to undocumented people, defending their actions as acts of religious conscience protected by the First Amendment.
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“A shameful day”
On Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Donald Trump issued an executive order temporarily halting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries, suspending the refugee program and permanently imposing a religious test for refugees going forward.
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To uphold religious freedom in 2017, do small things with great love
Whatever the motives for standing up for others – religious faith, civic virtue or enlightened self interest – religious freedom only works when a right for one is a right for all.
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Standing Rock: Historic win for Native American religious freedom
In the long, ugly history of persecution, exploitation, broken treaties, unkept promises and adverse court decisions, the victory at Standing Rock is a rare win for Native American religious freedom.
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