RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PRINCIPLES ENUNCIATED BY THE SUPREME COURT

Nashville Chapter Americans United members believe in religious liberty as guaranteed by the First Amendment. We agree with the Supreme Court decision in Everson v. Board of Education and repeated in three other decisions that the First Amendment means at least this:

"Neither the state nor the Federal Government can set up a church.

"Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another.

"Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion.

"No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs, for church attendance or nonattendance.

"No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion.

"Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups and vice versa.

"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.' "

We believe with James Madison that "religion is not within the purview of human government." We believe that citizens may use democratic means to exert influence on government policy, but they must not demand special privilege for their religion.

We believe that full religious liberty for all in a pluralistic nation requires separation of church and state.

WE INVITE PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL TO JOIN US IN THIS STRUGGLE!