Question By Pete
October 3, 2024
Regardless of which party prevails in the next election, where do you see the roles of church and state moving?
Dear Pete,
Your question is but another reminder of all that is at stake in the election on November 5th. If Kamala Harris and the democrats win the election, the roles of church and state will remain what the First Amendment to the Constitution prescribed since the founding of our nation:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …”
There words were penned by James Madison, often referred to as the father of the Constitution. Along with nine other amendments comprising the Bill of Rights, these amendments were ratified in 1791 as part of the Constitution. This amendment combines the Establishment Clause and the Freedom of Exercise Clause. Together these pronouncements have been a guiding light of our democracy.
On the other hand, if Donald Trump and the republicans win in November, Trump will seek to govern as a dictator from day one–consistent with the conservative promise to America as spelled out in Project 2025, the 922 page document put out by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Project 2025 calls for the eradication of the separation of church and state. Furthermore, its intent would be to advance a Christian nationalist religious agenda. Christian nationalism generally means white Christian nationalism which is both authoritarian and racist to the core.
To say the least, if this were to happen, there would be widespread push-back which could very well spill over into violence. All I can say is if Trump wins and the architects of Project 2025 implement their vision of governance, it will be a dark day for America, for our Constitution, and for our American way of life.
I hope this is helpful.
~ Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Frantz
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