Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 01:06:44 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Kentucky Ten Commandments letter September 23, 1999 Lexington Herald-Leader 100 Midland Avenue Lexington, KY 40508 Dear Editors: On September 16, the sponsor of a bill forcing the Ten Commandments into the public schools was quoted as saying that a voter referendum would somehow make it Constitutional. Colorado's Amendment 2 was a voter referendum; it was nonetheless overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. There is no question that displaying the Ten Commandments, or in this case, requiring their inclusion in history classes, is constitutionally problematic. It singles out a religious document (half-devoted to rules governing religious observance) to be the only one which may be displayed, and which must be mentioned, in schools. If officially favoring one religious document over all others is not a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment, what is? There are (at least) three numbering schemes for the Commandments, as well as numerous translations of the Bible; who will determine whether a what is a valid version of the Commandments? How will a Protestant judge rule on a Roman Catholic or Jewish version? What if school officials start changing parts they don't like? Do we want judges and principals making theological decisions? This is exactly what the establishment clause of the First Amendment was designed to prevent. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Visit our web site to find out how you can help. -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829