Amendment to alter church-state separation introduced (again) by Istook

I received this today from The Interfaith Alliance:

U.S. Reps. Ernest Istook (R-OK) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) have introduced a “Pledge and Prayer Amendment” (H.J.Res. 46), seeking to radically alter the First Amendment by sanctioning prayer in public schools; allowing the prominent display of the Ten Commandments and other religious text in public buildings such as courthouses and elementary schools; and codifying the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rep. Istook introduced a similar bill, the “Religious Freedom Amendment” in the 105th Congress that received a majority vote, (224-203/Roll Call No.201), but not the required 2/3 vote for passage, in the House of Representatives. This bill’s introduction attempts to build upon that success under the guise of patriotism to impose one particular set of religious beliefs upon our nation in a time of international unrest.

According to an internal letter sent by Istook to his House colleagues, “Only a constitutional amendment will stop the courts from supporting intolerant attacks on expressions of faith.” The letter went on to say, “Nothing else can resolve this. And we should not need separate amendments to address the Pledge, the Ten Commandments, and school prayer.”

As people of faith and good will, we need to protect our classrooms and our court houses from attempts to undermine religious liberty! Help us fight this systemic campaign by the Religious Right and their allies in Congress to favor one religion over others. Government-sanctioned religious doctrine and state-mandated prayer in public schools have no place in a society that values and affirms freedom of religion.

TIA members and supporters are urged to send a letter to their member of Congress asking them to vote against this dangerous legislation. As members of Congress are getting flooded with calls and letters from the Religious-Right lobby, it is absolutely essential that they hear from moderate and progressive people of faith and good will!

To see the text of H. J. Res. 46, please visit: http://www.interfaithalliance.org/Issues/IssuesList.cfm?c=53