American democracy came into being in large part out of anger over the abuse of power by church-state alignments in Europe. Many of our ancestors fled Europe where their freedoms and their lives were at risk. The atrocities of The Inquisition were among the most glaring examples.
As the new nation developed, our forefathers, concerned that this evil might creep into their new government, passed the First Amendment, separating church and state.
Today, certain churchmen are again demanding the imposition of church-held views based on faith conviction and faith loyalty. This is being done despite the fact that official writings of most major religious denominations, which care deeply about religious freedom in the United States, strongly disagree with this policy and strongly warn of its dangers. These churches are aware that such church interference in government inevitably leads to governmental interference in the church.
A few Catholic churchmen are the most vociferous in demanding the use of civil authority to enforce their faith beliefs, in issuing threats to candidates and in trying to tell people how to vote. This is clearly an abuse of the First Amendment.
Most people are highly insulted by such ill-conceived attempts and should step forward and speak out. Such insulting and outrageous bullying has never been received kindly by a free people.
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George and Jane Sinner
Fargo
