Interfaith Alliance Statement on 10 Commandments Display

Recently the Lexington City Council was given a set of "historical documents" including the 10 Commandments to post on city property. This effort was a "gift" from a group called "Body of Christ Ministries." Obviously, for those paying attention this is a Trojan horse ploy to circumvent the First Admendment by classifying the 10 Commandments as something other than a religious document in order to seek their civic endorsement. Of course, one wonders why a group of elected city officials should decide what is historical and what is religious. More importantly, once we elevate the "historical" significance of the 10 Commandments what is next? By extension, shouldn't they be more than just a note of history but a substantial influence in the formulation of our laws. Why then, can you violate at least 7 of the commandments and not be penalized by force of law? Such is the sticky nature of mixing too much religion with politics and why a different and more complex approach must be advocated as given by the following statement written and approved by The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass:

Mayor Teresa Isaac

Lexington Fayette Urban County Council

Dear Mayor Isaac and Council Members:

Like many in Fayette County, we were surprised to read the recent story regarding the proposed “gift” to the city of “historical documents,” including the Ten Commandments, intended for display on public property. It is our obligation as citizens, as well as our responsibility as leaders and members of various faith communities, to remind you of the importance of maintaining the neutrality of government in regard to matters of religion.

“Historical documents” shared by all our citizens are appropriate for display in public spaces. The display of religious documents is not appropriate for public spaces as it might imply a government endorsement of a particular religious tradition. The display of such religious documents is appropriate for houses of worship and other private spaces at their owners’ discretion.

Our nation’s founders knew from hard experience the importance of a healthy separation of “church and state.” Moreover, our nation’s history has demonstrated that government is more open and religion more vital when that separation is maintained.

As you consider receiving and displaying these documents, remember that you represent all the citizens of this great city, and that among those citizens are persons of many different faiths, all of which are essential to our nation’s past and present. We strongly urge you to reject any “gift” that would undermine our cherished freedom of religion and the separation of church and state upon which our freedom depends.

Respectfully,

Rev. Michael L. Ward, President

The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass

Also signed by:

Dr. Greg Earwood, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky

Rev. Mark Johnson, Central Baptist Church

Holly Shipley, Faith Lutheran Church

Deacon Mark Stauffer, Catholic Diocese of Lexington

Jenny Sutton-Amr, Islamic Society of Central Kentucky

Richard M. Renfro, Humanist Forum of Central Kentucky

Rabbi Marc Kline, Temple Adath Israel & LFUCG Human Rights Commission

Dr. Lisa Davison, Lexington Theological Seminary

Lance Brunner, Lexington Shambhala-Buddhist Meditation Center

Richard Mitchell, Lexington Friends Meeting (Quakers)

Rev. William B. Kincaid, III, Woodland Christian Church

Avinash Sathaye, Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center (Hindu Community)

Rev. Gerard Howell, Baptist

Endorsed by the Board of Directors of The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass, May 17, 2006.

May wisdom guide all our intentions as well meaning as they may be.