The Proven to be Secular, Founding and Early Documents of The United States of America. The Evidence that America’s Government was to be Separated From any Influence of any Religion
One of the many attacks on our country from the Religious Right is the claim that our country is a Christian Nation…not just that the majority of people are Christians, but that the country itself was founded by Christians, for Christians. However, a little research into American history will show that this statement is a lie. Those people who spread this lie are known as Christian Revisionists. They are attempting to rewrite history, in much the same way as holocaust deniers are. The men responsible for building the foundation of the United States were men of The Enlightenment, not men of Christianity. They were Deists who did not believe the bible was true. They were Freethinkers who relied on their reason, not their faith.
If the U.S. was founded on the Christian religion, the Constitution would clearly say so–but it does not. Nowhere does the Constitution say: “The United States is a Christian Nation”, or anything even close to that. In fact, the words “Jesus Christ, Christianity, Bible, Creator, Divine, and God” are never mentioned in the Constitution– not even once. Nowhere in the Constitution is religion mentioned, except in exclusionary terms. When the Founders wrote the nation’s Constitution, they specified that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” (Article 6, section 3) This provision was radical in its day– giving equal citizenship to believers and non-believers alike. They wanted to ensure that no religion could make the claim of being the official, national religion, such as England had.
The Declaration of Independence gives us important insight into the opinions of the Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson wrote that the power of the government is derived from the governed. Up until that time, it was claimed that kings ruled nations by the authority of God. The Declaration was a radical departure from the idea that the power to rule over other people comes from god. It was a letter from the Colonies to the English King, stating their intentions to seperate themselves. The Declaration is not a governing document. It mentions “Nature’s God” and “Divine Providence”– but as you will soon see, that’s the language of Deism, not Christianity.
http://freethought.mbdojo.com/foundingfathers.html
~Here are some great sites that monitor what is left of our Wall Of Separation:
http://www.theocracywatch.org/
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/
http://www.jewsonfirst.org/default.aspx
http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/
~Separation of Church and State (Videos)
Constitution Lecture 9: Separation of Church and State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWBG8byqqUI
JFK: Church and State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDP4qrA8hvg&feature=related
Obama Breaks Down Why We Need Separation of Church & State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdB1_KFOhnU&feature=related
“Separation of church and state” issues
http://www.religioustolerance.org/const_am.htm
Special Book Excerpt: Legacy Of Freedom
Jefferson, Madison And The Nation’s Founders Left Us Church-State Separation. Can We Keep It?
Speaking Truth To Power: Martin Luther King On Church And State
From Americans United for a Separation of Church and State:
“It is true that the literal phrase ‘separation of church and state’ does not appear in the Constitution, but that does not mean the concept isn’t there. The First Amendment says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….”
What does that mean? A little history is helpful: In an 1802 letter to the Danbury (Conn.) Baptist Association, Thomas Jefferson, then president, declared that the American people through the First Amendment had erected a “wall of separation between church and state.” (Colonial religious liberty pioneer Roger Williams used a similar phrase 150 years earlier.)
Jefferson, however, was not the only leading figure of the post-revolutionary period to use the term separation. James Madison, considered to be the Father of the Constitution, said in an 1819 letter, “[T]he number, the industry and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church and state.” In an earlier, undated essay (probably early 1800s), Madison wrote, “Strongly guarded…is the separation between religion and government in the Constitution of the United States.”
As eminent church-state scholar Leo Pfeffer notes in his book, Church, State and Freedom, “It is true, of course, that the phrase 'separation of church and state’ does not appear in the Constitution. But it was inevitable that some convenient term should come into existence to verbalize a principle so clearly and widely held by the American people….[T]he right to a fair trial is generally accepted to be a constitutional principle; yet the term 'fair trial’ is not found in the Constitution. To bring the point even closer home, who would deny that 'religious liberty’ is a constitutional principle? Yet that phrase too is not in the Constitution. The universal acceptance which all these terms, including 'separation of church and state,’ have received in America would seem to confirm rather than disparage their reality as basic American democratic principles.”
Thus, it is entirely appropriate to speak of the “constitutional principle of church-state separation” since that phrase summarizes what the First Amendment’s religion clauses do-they separate church and state.
Religious Right activists have tried for decades to make light of Jefferson’s “wall of separation” response to the Danbury Baptists, attempting to dismiss it as a hastily written note designed to win the favor of a political constituency. But a glance at the history surrounding the letter shows they are simply wrong.
As church-state scholar Pfeffer points out, Jefferson clearly saw the letter as an opportunity to make a major pronouncement on church and state. Before sending the missive, Jefferson had it reviewed by Levi Lincoln, his attorney general. Jefferson told Lincoln he viewed the response as a way of “sowing useful truths and principles among the people, which might germinate and become rooted among their political tenets.”
At the time he wrote the letter, Jefferson was under fire from conservative religious elements who hated his strong stand for full religious liberty. Jefferson saw his response to the Danbury Baptists as an opportunity to clear up his views on church and state. Far from being a mere courtesy, the letter represented a summary of Jefferson’s thinking on the purpose and effect of the First Amendment’s religion clauses.
Jefferson’s Danbury letter has been cited favorably by the Supreme Court many times. In its 1879 Reynolds v. U.S. decision the high court said Jefferson’s observations “may be accepted almost as an authoritative declaration of the scope and effect of the [First] Amendment.” In the court’s 1947 Everson v. Board of Education decision, Justice Hugo Black wrote, “In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect 'a wall of separation between church and state.’” It is only in recent times that separation has come under attack by judges in the federal court system who oppose separation of church and state.“
Separation of Church and State
http://www.theocracywatch.org/separation_church_state2.htm
The World Overcomers Outreach Church, located at the southeast corner of Kirby Pkwy and Winchester Rd., in Memphis, TN, builds a $250k replica of the Statue of Liberty. No torch anymore. Now she holds a giant cross, beckoning theocracy. I wonder how much longer until the original Statue of Liberty follows suit?
MSNBC Cenk Attack: God & Government
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXfRSAVpPv4
Taking Over the Republican Party
"The Grand Old Party is more religious cult than political organization."
~President of the Alamo City Republican Women’s club, 1993
http://www.theocracywatch.org/taking_over.htm
How the Vatican influences US policy
The Catholic Church disregards the fundamental American concept of separation of church and state, claiming a "divine right” to do so.
http://churchandstate.org.uk/2012/03/how-the-vatican-influences-us-policy/
The Vatican’s infiltration and cooptation of American population organizations
Since the days of Margaret Sanger, the Church has ordered members to infiltrate population organizations to collect intelligence and undermine them from within.
The Church is a Corporation
The Church is a Corporation. In the past, faith based organizations have received up to$40,000,000,000 in federal grants, while many other important Federal programs had their budget slashed.
Did you know that governments have given trillions of taxpayer’s dollars to religious instutations? Religious instutations call the press and then begin their “charity” work!
In America, Church is a serious business. In 1960, there were 16 mega-churches across the country. Now, there are more than 1400. The most profitable makes over $70 million a year, which is what 1 million Americans make. Church income is not taxed, and most churches don’t even file a return. In 2004, faith based organizations received up to $40,000,000,000 in federal grants, while many other federal programs had their budget slashed.
From Creationism In Public Schools To Government Aid For Religion, Church-State Battles Are Erupting In Legislatures Around The Country
http://www.au.org/media/church-and-state/archives/2011/04/states-of-conflict.html
FREEDOM LOST. American rights are stepped on again and the constution is meaningless. Religion is above any law. Access Denied: Supreme Court Slams The Courthouse Door In The Face Of Church-State Litigants
U.S. Supreme Court, has opened the flood-gate for the it’s government to fund religion. The court ruled that taxpayers have no right to challenge tax credits, exemptions or deductions that support religious organizations.
After Changes In The Courts And Bush Policy Revisions, The Federal Government Is Awarding Preservation Funds To Churches
http://www.au.org/media/church-and-state/archives/2011/04/historic-shift.html
Taxpayers foot the bill to maintain churches? Federal Funding for the Preservation of Religious Historic Places : Old North Church and the New Establishment Clause
http://scholarship.law.georgetown.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=hpps_papers
America: Yes, our courts can now force you to read the Bible!!!! No Joke! Judge’s sentence involving Christian book causes controversy
http://www.khou.com/news/Judges-sentence-involving-Christian-book-causes-controversy-118815194.html
Houston judge gets ACLU heat for offering bible study as alternative sentence
Judge’s sentence involving Christian book causes controversy - See the Video!! 9 Defendants forced into bible study!
Why do taxpayers fund chaplains in Hospitals?
Sponsor of Bible bill questions separation of church, state
http://arkansasnews.com/2011/03/09/sponsor-of-bible-bill-questions-separation-of-church-state
In the United States, seven state constitutions officially include religious tests that would effectively prevent atheists from holding public office, and in some cases being a juror/witness.
“The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world, it is God’s gift to humanity.”
– George W. Bush, State of the Union address, January 28, 2003.
In 1961, the United States Supreme Court explicitly overturned the Maryland provision in the Torcaso v. Watkins decision, holding that laws requiring “a belief in the existence of God” in order to hold public office violated freedom of religion provided for by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Did you know that atheists can’t hold public office in 7 states?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FefynZwWM0I&feature=related
Texas
Tennessee
South Carolina
North Carolina
Mississippi
Maryland
Arkansas
Arkansas, Article 19, Section 1:
Atheists disqualified from holding office or testifying as witness.
No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any Court.
Maryland, Article 37:
That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.
Mississippi, Article 14, Section 265:
No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office in this state.
Pennsylvania, Article I, Section 4:
No person who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments shall, on account of his religious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust or profit under this Commonwealth.
South Carolina, Article 17, Section 4:
No person who denies the existence of a Supreme Being shall hold any office under this Constitution.
Tennessee, Article 9, Section 2:
No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state.
Texas, Article 1, Section 4:
No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being.
High-ranking members of US military part of ‘Knights of Malta,’ ‘Opus Dei,’
He further claimed that Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Vice Admiral William McRaven and others in the JSOC were members of the “Knights of Malta” and “Opus Dei,” two little known Catholic orders.
“They do see what they’re doing – and this is not an atypical attitude among some military – it’s a crusade, literally,” Hersh reportedly continued. “They see themselves as the protectors of the Christians. They’re protecting them from the Muslims [as in] the 13th century. And this is their function.”
He added that members of these societies have developed a secret set of insignias that represent “the whole notion that this is a culture war” between religions.
Republicans To Read Bible On House Floor
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2011/1/26/7263/26608
Pastor Dennis Terry Introduces Rick Santorum, Tells Non-Christians And Liberals To Get Out (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/19/dennis-terry-rick-santorum_n_1364414.html
Santorum: God’s Law And Civil Law Must Be The Same
… laws and the civil laws are one-and-the-same and that is theocracy and that is bad … whereas here in the United States, our civil laws … must be in accordance with God’s law, and that is not theocracy and that is good. And until that happens, Santorum says, …
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/santorum-gods-law-and-civil-law-must-be-same
FFRF sues over Pennsylvania’s ‘Year of the Bible’
http://ffrf.org/news/releases/ffrf-sues-over-pennsylvanias-year-of-the-bible/
Declaring 2012 as the “Year of the Bible” in Pennsylvania.
http://ffrf.org/uploads/legal/Yearofbiblelawsuit.pdf
Pennsylvania House of Representatives introduce “National Day of Prayer”
Recognizing May 3, 2012, as the “National Day of Prayer” in Pennsylvania.
Republican Congressmen Joining May Day Prayer Rally to Establish a “Virtual Theocracy”
… the goal of the movement is to install a “virtual theocracy” overseen by “true apostles” who will fight Satan … that is a blessing to a nation. We cannot instill a theocracy in a human government because theocracy is transcendent to humanity. …
11 Myths About Church and State
http://www.holysmoke.org/sdhok/seper2.htm
Separation of Church and State
http://www.theocracywatch.org/separation_church_state2.htm
Power of religion influences politics - Religious views can stereotype you into political party
The IRAQ WAR WAS A HOLY WAR: “Hersh was quoted as saying. "Don’t they get it? We’re gonna change mosques into cathedrals. And when we get all the oil, nobody’s gonna give a damn.’ That’s the attitude. We’re gonna change mosques into cathedrals. That’s an attitude that pervades, I’m here to say, a large percentage of the Joint Special Operations Command [JSOC].”
Theocrats and the Separation of Church and State - Who Are the Theocrats? What Do They Want?
http://atheism.about.com/od/churchstate101/a/theocrats.htm
Tea Party Senate candidates challenge separation of church and state.
Pushing Christian politics and religion, Senate candidates and Tea Party Republicans Christine O’Donnell of Delaware, Ken Buck of Colorado, and Sharron Angle of Nevada, all express doubt and ignorance concerning the separation of church and state guaranteed by the US Constitution’s First Amendment. By attempting to deny the separation of church and state, they are attempting to make room for a Christian theocracy, and forcing upon Americans exactly what our founding fathers feared the most.
~America’s ILLEGALNational Day of Prayer
Oddly sinister promo for the 2011 National Day of Prayer. Completely over the top, utterly ridiculous video for the 2011 National Day of Prayer.
http://www.dangerousminds.net/comments/oddly_sinister_promo_for_the_2011_national_day_of_prayer/
National Day of Prayer - 2010 Theme Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpEPpUT5E40
In 2009 and again in 2010, items were circulated by email, claiming that President Barack Obama had “cancelled” that year’s National Day of Prayer. These were right-wing lies.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/prayerday.asp
Christopher Hitchens on Natl. Day Of Prayer Being Unconstitutional. HITCHSLAP!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW3izWSmU_E&feature=related
Is National Prayer Day Constitutional? - Bill O'Reilly, Courtney Friel, and Greg Gutfeld come from a segment of Fox News’ “The O'Reilly Factor” broadcast on April 16, 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7fZCpHTBhY&feature=related
The National Day of Prayer 2010 court ruling declared it unconstitutional, but Obama Will Recognize it Anyway (April 16, 2010) - Anything for votes!
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20002706-503544.html
National Day Of Prayer 2010 Goes On Despite Controversies
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/06/national-day-of-prayer-20_n_566525.html
National Day Of Prayer 2009 (of the event)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL_j1_VxvDE
Obama’s Decision to Observe National Day of Prayer Privately Draws Public Criticism (May 06, 2009)
What do you think of their site?
http://nationaldayofprayer.org/
Doug Coe’s Washington DC National Prayer Breakfast
Coe’s gala annual National Prayer Breakfast will be held in Wash., DC this Thursday (Feb. 3). Many people think the Breakfast is hosted by Congress. It is not. It is organized by some 33 members of Congress who belong to a powerful but secretive Christian group called the Fellowship Foundation, writes Van Biema.
Richard Land and Ted Haggard participate in a White House teleconference every Monday with a handful of Christian conservatives to plot strategy on gay marriage, abortion and other issues on the social agenda.
George W. Bush’s favorite tutor may be Richard John Neuhaus. Bush calls him Father Richard and has said he helps me articulate these (religious) things.
A senior Administration official confirms that Neuhaus does have a fair amount of under the radar influence. He is a first rate thinker who has helped shape Bush’s policies on abortion, stem cell research, cloning and the marriage amendment.
http://www.time.com/time/press_releases/article/0,8599,1022576,00.html
TIME Names the 25 Most Influential EVANGELICALS in America
http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101050207/photoessay/
Among the Christian leaders on TIME’s first list of The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America are Doug Coe, who started the annual National Prayer Breakfast scheduled for this Thursday in Washington, and two Evangelicals who join the White House? weekly Monday call with Christian leaders, Richard Land and Ted Haggard.
Others include Michael Gerson, a Bush speechwriter; Pentecostals Bishop Thomas Dexter T.D. Jakes and preacher Joyce Meyers; Rev. Luis Corts, Jr., Stuart Epperson of Salem Communications; and Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention.
TIME’s 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America:
Howard & Roberta Ahmanson: The Financiers
David Barton: The Lesson Planner
Doug Coe: The Stealth Persuader
Chuck Colson: Reborn and Rehabilitated
Luis Cortès: Bringing Latinos To the Table
James Dobson: The Culture Warrior
Stuart Epperson: A High-Fidelity Messenger
Michael Gerson : The President’s Spiritual Scribe
Billy & Franklin Graham: Father and Son In the Spirit
Ted Haggard: Opening Up the Umbrella Group
Bill Hybels: Pioneering Mass Appeal
T.D. Jakes: The Pentecostal Media Mogul
Diane Knippers: A Think Tank With Firepower
Tim & Beverly LaHaye: The Christian Power Couple
Richard Land: God’s Lobbyist
Brian McLaren: Paradigm Shifter
Joyce Meyer: A Feminine Side Of Evangelism
Richard John Neuhaus: Bushism Made Catholic
Mark Noll: The Intellectual Exemplar
J.I. Packer: Theological Traffic Cop
Rick Santorum: The Point Man On Capitol Hill
Jay Sekulow: The Almighty’s Attorney-at-Law
Stephen Strang: Keeper of “The Faith”
Rick Warren: America’s New People’s Pastor
Ralph Winter: A Global Mission
The Fellowship (Christian organization)
The Fellowship, also known as the Family,is a U.S.-based religious and political organization founded in 1935 by Abraham Vereide. The stated purpose of the Fellowship is to provide a fellowship forum for decision makers to share in Bible studies, prayer meetings, worship experiences and to experience spiritual affirmation and support.The organization has been described as one of the most politically well-connected ministries in the United States. The Fellowship shuns publicity and its members share a vow of secrecy.
The Fellowship’s leader Doug Coe and others have explained the organization’s desire for secrecy by citing biblical admonitions against public displays of good works, insisting they would not be able to tackle diplomatically sensitive missions if they
drew public attention.
Although the organization is secretive, it holds one regular public event each year, the National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C.
Every sitting United States president since President Dwight D. Eisenhower, up to President Barack Obama, has participated in at least one National Prayer Breakfast during his term.
The Fellowship’s known participants include ranking United States government officials, corporate executives, heads of religious and humanitarian aid organizations, and ambassadors and high ranking politicians from across the world. Many United States Senators and Congressmen who have publicly acknowledged working with the Fellowship or are documented as having done so work together to pass or influence legislation.
Fellowship Foundation was incorporated by Abraham Vereide in Chicago in 1942 as Fellowship Foundation, Inc. and also acquired the names International Christian Leadership (ICL), Fellowship House, and International Foundation as venues of global outreach ministry expanded.The Fellowship Foundation, Inc. does most of its business as the International Foundation, which is its DBA name.
In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended the Senate Prayer Breakfast Group. He was invited by fellow Kansan, Frank Carlson. By that time, Vereide’s congressional core members also included Senators Frank Carlson, Karl Mundt, Everett Dirkson, and Strom Thurmond.
Fellowship members share a vow of silence about Fellowship activities. Coe and others cite biblical admonitions against public displays of good works, insisting they would not be able to tackle their diplomatically sensitive missions if they drew public attention. Members, including congressmen, invoke this secrecy rule when refusing to discuss just about every aspect of he Fellowship and their involvement in it.“
Former Republican Senator Willliam Armstrong said the group has “made a fetish of being invisible”. In the 1960s, the Fellowship began distributing to involved members of Congress notes that stated that “the group, as such, never takes any formal action, but individuals who participate in the group through their initiative have made possible the activities mentioned.”
National Prayer BreakfastFellowship Foundation is best known for the National Prayer Breakfast, held each year on the first Thursday of February in Washington, D.C. First held in 1953, the event is now attended by over 3,400 guests including dignitaries from many nations. The President of the United States typically makes an address at the breakfast, following the main speaker’s keynote address.
The event is hosted by a 24-member committee of members of Congress. Democrats and Republicans serve on the organizing committee, and chairmanship alternates each year between the House and the Senate.
At the National Prayer Breakfast, the President usually arrives an hour early and meets with eight to ten heads of state, usually of small nations, and guests chosen by the Fellowship. G. Philip Hughes, the executive secretary for the National Security Council in the George H.W. Bush administration, said, "Doug Coe or someone who worked with him would call and say, 'So and so would like to have a word with the president. Do you think you could arrange something?’"However, Doug Coe has said that the Fellowship does not help foreign dignitaries gain access to U.S. officials. "We never make any commitment, ever, to arrange special meetings with the president, vice president or secretary of State,” Coe said. “We would never do it.”
At the 2001 Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearings for State Department officials, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), whose wife was on the board of the Fellowship, lamented that the State Department had blocked then-President Bush from meeting with four foreign heads of state (Rwanda, Macedonia, Congo and Slovakia) at the NPB that year.
A primary activity of the Fellowship is to develop small support groups for politicians, including Senators and members of Congress, Executive Branch officials, military officers, foreign leaders and dignitaries, businesspersons, and other influential individuals. Prayer groups have met in the White House, the Pentagon and at the Department of Defense. By the early 1970s, prayer groups, breakfasts, and luncheons, including those sponsored by ICL, had become commonplace in the Pentagon.
Private diplomacy
The Los Angeles Times examined the Fellowship Foundation’s ministry records and archives (before they were sealed), as well as documents obtained from several presidential libraries and found that the Fellowship Foundation had extraordinary access and significant influence over U.S. foreign affairs for the last 75 years.
The Fellowship has funded the travel expenses of members of Congress to various hot spots throughout the globe, including Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Al.) to Darfur, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Ok.) to Lebanon, Rep. Aderholt to The Balkans, and Reps John Carter (R-Tex.) and Joseph Pitts (R.-Pa.) to Belarus.
In 2002, Reps. Frank Wolf (R-Va.), Tony P. Hall (D-Ohio) and Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan on a fact-finding congressional trip, meeting with the leaders of both Muslim countries. According to Pitts, “The first thing we did when we met with [Afghan] President Karzai and [then Pakistan] President Musharraf was to say, 'We’re here officially representing the Congress; we’ll report back to the speaker, our leaders, our committees, our government. But we’re here also because we’re best friends…. We’re
members of the same prayer group’”.
Doug Coe has been dispatched to foreign governments with the blessing of Congressional representatives and has helped arrange meetings overseas for U.S. officials and members of Congress. In 1979, for instance, Coe messaged the Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce and asked him to meet with a Defense Department official who was visiting Riyadh, the capital.
In 2009, the Fellowship received media attention in connection with three Republicans politician members who reportedly engaged in extra-marital affairs. Two of them, Senator John Ensign, chairman of the Republican Policy Committee in the Senate and the fourth ranking in his party’s Senate leadership, and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, immediate past Chair of the Republican Governors Association and U.S. Representative from 1995–2001, were considering running for President in 2012. The affairs of Ensign and then-Congressman Chip Pickering, R-Miss., took place while they were living at the C Street Center. Each of the three voted to impeach Bill Clinton for trying to cover up his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
The Fellowship runs a $1.8 million three story brick mansion in Washington D.C. known as “C Street.” The facility houses mostly Republican members of Congress.
Tuesday night dinners for members of Congress and other Fellowship associates.
C Street has been the subject of controversy over its claimed tax status as a church, the ownership of the property and its connection to the Fellowship, and the reportedly subsidized benefits the facility provides to members of Congress.
In 2002, the Los Angeles Times reported that C Street charged Senators and Congressional representatives $600 per month for rent. In 2009, WORLD Magazine report that C Street charged about $950 per month for rent.
Fellowship Foundation purchased a large old house in 1978, named the Doubleday Mansion. The home which also has a detached two story garage and a gardener’s cottage, is zoned as a worship and teaching center. The home is used as a center for Bible studies, counseling, hymn sings, life mentoring, prayer groups, prayer breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, and hospitality receptions for international reconciliation and conflict resolution iniatives. The home was once surrounded by cedar trees and so was renamed Cedars.
Cedars is host to dozens of prayer breakfasts, luncheons and dinners for ambassadors, congressional representatives, foreign religious leaders and many others.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fellowship_(Christian_organization)
~The United States has official government departments of religion?
~The Office of the Chaplain, United States House of Representatives
To serve as Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives is truly an honor and a privilege. To be both a minister of the Lord and an officer serving the United States government responds to a twofold call to serve others and offer prayer that unites Heaven and Earth.
http://chaplain.house.gov/index.html
~Congressional Prayer Caucus
Congressman Tom Price Congressman Reid RibbleCongressman Scott Rigell Congressman Phil RoeCongressman Mike Rogers Congressman Peter RoskamCongressman Dennis Ross
http://forbes.house.gov/PrayerCaucus/Members.aspx
DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (UNITED STATES)
http://www.roea.org/deptreligiouseducationusa.html
The Office of International Religious Freedom
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/irf/
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives. USCIRF’s principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress.
Authorizing Legislation?
~Mike Huckabee
Mike Huckabee is a Dangerous Theocrat
http://www.atheistrev.com/2011/04/mike-huckabee-is-dangerous-theocrat.html
Nearly 400 conservative pastors and ministers in Iowa received the enticing invitation, signed by Republician, Mike Huckabee. Huck is a former Arkansas governor and 2008 presidential contender. He invited the pastors and their spouses to an expenses-paid, two-day Pastors’ Policy Briefing at a Sheraton hotel.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/us/politics/03pastor.xml
Huckabee Wants to Force Us, at Gunpoint, to Learn from the fundamentalist Christian, David Barton
Former preacher, Huckabee ran for president of the USA, in 08 and may try again in 2012!
http://www.politicususa.com/en/huckabee-wants-to-force-us-at-gunpoint-to-learn-from-david-barton
Mike Huckabee: Only Christians Should Lead the World
http://atheism.about.com/b/2011/04/05/mike-huckabee-only-christians-should-lead-the-world.htm
Daily Show - Mike Huckabee on Church and State
http://www.atheistmedia.com/2011/04/daily-show-mike-huckabee-on-church-and.html
Articles:
Having our government completely controlled by the Christians, would send us back to the Dark Ages.
http://www.hermes-press.com/DAtruth.htm
Amid Crises, President Obama Prays 'a Lot’ + VIDEO - Obama Says Faith in God, Prayer Keys to Tough Presidential Decisions
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-praying-lot-libya-crisis-challenges/story?id=13250087
Cindy Jacobs preaches at Sarah Palin’s church: ‘By the end of the year, we hope to have 500,000 intercessors mobilized to pray for the nation for the 2012 elections to shift this nation to righteousness and justice.’
We better listen. Cindy Jacobs - another crazy religious leader!
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/jacob-everything-i-said-has-happened
GOP wants to spend $90 million for 'In God We Trust’?
http://www.examiner.com/democrat-in-national/gop-wants-to-spend-90-million-for-god-we-trust
Top 10 Over-the-Top Religious Quotes from Presidential Candidates
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-t-kaylor/top-overthetop-religious-_b_811735.html
Christians Blocking Democratic Referenda on Sunday Alcohol Sales
Don’t Vote for Bigots! Why Atheists Shouldn’t Vote for Anti-Atheist Bigots
http://atheism.about.com/od/godlessatheistpolitics/tp/DontVoteForBigotedPoliticians.htm?nl=1
Christian Insurance Companies Exempted from Taxes, Regulations
Surveys consistently show that Americans are more concerned with jobs than anything else. So what’s the GOP plan to deal with jobs? Apparently their best idea is to get “In God We Trust” put on as many government buildings as possible
http://atheism.about.com/b/2011/04/04/gop-jobs-bill-put-in-god-we-trust-on-all-federal-buildings.htm
In Mississippi, an attorney was sent to jail for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5874184/ms_attorney_jailed_for_refusing_to.html
Dozens of governament bills written and lawsuits filed to post the 10 Commandments/Decalogue in public schools, public parks, government offices, etc.
http://www.sullivan-county.com/x/schools.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/27/scotus.ten.commandments/
Indiana Passes Bill Allowing Display in Schools, Other Government Facilities
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-507370.html
Senate bill allows display of Lord’s Prayer, 10 Commandments
Oklahoma House bill 1330 authorized a monument resembling the Ten Commandments to be placed in the State Capitol Park in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma House passed a final version of the bill by a vote of 83-2, on April 23, 2009. The Oklahoma Senate had passed it on a vote of 37-9.
http://richarddawkins.net/articles/2655
Churches to receive millions from state capital plan
Religious Groups Reap Federal Aid for Pet Projects
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/13/business/13lobby.html?_r=1
David Barton Outlines His Plan for an American Theocracy - David Barton believes that every element of our government and society ought to be structured in strict accordance with the Bible - complete with SLAVERY!
http://www.politicususa.com/en/david-barton-outlines-his-plan-for-an-american-theocracy
Weekly Poll: Government Funding of Faith-Based Discrimination
http://atheism.about.com/b/2011/04/07/daily-poll-government-funding-of-faith-based-discrimination.htm - Take the poll!
Secular public services remain under threat: Government fails to reassure that religious discriminat
http://www.humanism.org.uk/news/view/785
North Carolina State Representative Dismisses Church/State Separation
After military officials at Fort Bragg cut off the resources for Rock Beyond Belief, many people have been complaining to their local politicians. That includes George G. Cleveland, a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. He’s also chair of the state’s Homeland Security, Military,
Rep. George Cleveland is not a witch
“There is nothing in the Constitution that addresses church and state…The idea of separation of church and state started in the twenties by secularists who did not want prayer in the public space…I personally believe that the Country would be better off with prayer in the public space” - Cleveland
http://rockbeyondbelief.com/2011/03/15/rep-george-cleveland-is-not-a-witch/?from_rss
Reader’s view: Pawlenty needs to study up on church-state
Speaking at an evangelical church near Des Moines, Iowa, on March 7, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said, “The Constitution was designed to protect people of faith from government, not to protect government from people of faith,” according to Minnesota Public Radio.
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/193709/group/Opinion/
Mayor told to follow court order, stop praying at council meetings - Secular group serves politician with letter from lawyer; citizens’ collective takes concerns to YouTube
Church Tax Exemptions: No Political Campaigning
http://atheism.about.com/b/2011/03/09/church-tax-exemptions-no-political-campaigning.htm
Judge Grilling Parent in Child Custody Case About the Parent’s Secular Humanism
Court won’t hear challenge to 'In God We Trust’
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court won’t hear an atheist’s latest challenge to the U.S. government’s references to God. The court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from Michael Newdow, who says government references to God are unconstitutional and infringe on his religious beliefs.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/07/AR2011030701699.html
~Just how political is religion in The United States. We found 27 major political lobby groups on this one site!
(16) Christian Political Advocacy Groups - A Directory of United States Lobbyists
Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, American Family Association, Bread for the World, Christian Action Network, Christian Coalition of America, Concerned Women for America, Evangelical Environmental Network, Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Friends Committee on National Legislation, General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church, National Association of Evangelicals, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., People for the American Way, Restoring Eden, Traditional Values Coalition,
http://pag.vancouver.wsu.edu/christian.html
(4) Catholic Political Advocacy Groups - A Directory of United States Lobbyists
Catholic Charities USA, Catholics for a Free Choice, Pax Christi USA, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
http://pag.vancouver.wsu.edu/catholic.html
(5) Jewish Political Advocacy Groups - A Directory of United States Lobbyists
American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, National Council of Jewish Women
http://pag.vancouver.wsu.edu/jewish.html
(2) Muslim Political Advocacy Groups - A Directory of United States Lobbyists
Muslim Public Affairs Council and Council on American Islamic Relations
http://pag.vancouver.wsu.edu/muslim.html
The Catholic “Church” Lobby group obsessed with SEX
http://liberatedmind.com/2009/11/the-catholic-church-lobby-group-obsessed-with-sex/
Catholic Church Black-Mails DC? Catholic Church gives D.C. ultimatum - Same-sex marriage bill, as written, called a threat to social service contracts
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn’t change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.
NARTH (National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality)
We respect the right of all individuals to choose their own destiny. NARTH is a professional, scientific organization that offers hope to those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality. As an organization, we disseminate educational information, conduct and collect scientific research, promote effective therapeutic treatment, and provide referrals to those who seek our assistance.
Lobby Night is sponsored by the Maryland Catholic Conference and is an opportunity for Catholics to meet directly with their state lawmakers about issues including abortion clinic regulations, pregnancy support, poverty, immigration, Catholic schools, the BOAST Tax Credit, the death penalty and marriage.
http://www.catholicstandard.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=27&ArticleID=4381&TM=68067.43
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has called for people who oppose homosexual marriage to lobby politicians before Christmas.
http://geraldtonbaptist.org/1131/opportunities/lobby-group-urges-action-marraige-debate
Traditional Values Coalition
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/traditional-values-coalition
Anti-Gay Scholars Hit Political Road
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/anti-gay-scholars-hit-political-road
Catholic Bishops to Use Mass to Lobby Against Health Care.
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), is a Christian political lobby group based in Canberra, Australia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Christian_Lobby
Christian Zionists lobby for US attack on Iran - Right-wing Christian Evangelicals, End Times and Israel
http://www.jewsonfirst.org/06b/cufi.html
Christian right institutions in the United States - Moral Majority, Christian Voice (USA), Christian Coalition of America, Eagle Forum, and The Family (Christian political organization)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_right#Christian_right_institutions_in_the_United_States
Catholic Bishop lobbies Congress for amnesty bill, ignores facts and Church’s tax exempt status
The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance
http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_pled1.htm
The Pledge of Allegiance
http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm
There can be no freedom OF religion WITHOUT freedom FROM government promoted religion.
The U.S. National Mottos: Their history & constitutionality
The original national motto: “E Pluribus Unum”
The original motto of the United States was secular. “E Pluribus Unum” is Latin for “One from many” or “One from many parts.” It refers to the welding of a single federal state from a group of individual political units – originally colonies and now states.
On 1776-JUL-4, Congress appointed John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson to prepare a design for the Great Seal of the United States. The first design, submitted to Congress on 1776-AUG-10 used the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” It was rejected. Five other designs also failed to meet with Congress’ approval during the next five years. In 1782, Congress asked Mr. Thomson, Secretary of Congress, to complete the project. Thomson, along with a friend named Barton, produced a design that was accepted by Congress on 1782-JUN-10. It included an eagle with a heart-shaped shield, holding arrows and an olive branch in its claws. The motto “E Pluribus Unum” appeared on a scroll held in its beak. The seal was first used on 1782-SEP-16. It was first used on some federal coins in 1795. 1
The replacement motto: “In God We Trust:”
http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_mott.htm
History of 'In God We Trust’
The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins. From Treasury Department records, it appears that the first such appeal came in a letter dated November 13, 1861. It was written to Secretary Chase by Rev. M. R. Watkinson, Minister of the Gospel from Ridleyville, Pennsylvania, and read:
http://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/in-god-we-trust.aspx
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