The Ellison illustration.The recent story about the controversy over Rep. Keith Ellison's swearing-in illustrates how the separation of church and state
The first good thing Ellison did for democracy was to run for office as a Muslim and win, becoming the first Muslim in the U.S. Congress. By so doing, he underlined the constitutional clause that "no religious test shall ever be required" for public office. (That is one of the constitutional provisions which "separation of church and state" neatly sums up.) It seems that Rep. Virgil Goode Virgil Hamlin Goode, Jr. (surname rhymes with mood, not would), born October 17, 1946, is an American politician and a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives. and commentator Dennis Prager Dennis Prager (born August 2, 1948) is an American syndicated radio talk show host, columnist, author, ethicist, and public speaker in the United States. He is noted for his conservative political views and for his study of the consequences of secularism in the 20th Century. feared that Ellison would become a martyrdom-seeking bomber. In any event, they protested loudly when Ellison announced his intention to use the Quran when sworn in and that any book can be used as chosen by the representative. The February issue of Church & State tells the happy conclusion of the story. Ellison was sworn in using the 250-year-old Quran owned by Thomas Jefferson, as great a champion for religious liberty as there ever was ("Muslim Congressman Takes Oath Of Office An oath of office is an oath or affirmation a person takes before undertaking the duties of an office, usually a position in government or within a religious body, although such oaths are sometimes required of officers of other organizations. On Jefferson's Quran," People & Events)! --William Blakney Auburn Auburn (ô`bərn). 1 City (1990 pop. 33,830), Lee co., E Ala.; inc. 1839. The city's economy centers around Auburn Univ.; there is some manufacturing. 2 City (1990 pop. 24,309), seat of Androscoggin co. , Ala. |
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