Lynn v. Sekulow

Capitol Visitor Center Is About the History of Government, Not Religion

Monday November 30, 2009

Categories: American History
Jay,

It's a shame the Freedom From Religion Foundation had to file this lawsuit at all. This should never have been an issue in the first place.

The Capitol Visitor Center is a building dedicated to the history and importance of the Capitol Building and the legislature. This isn't a historical church or a museum dedicated to religion or religious liberty, so why has this become some heated debate about the role of religion in our nation's founding?

It seems that certain Religious Right groups just want to use this building as another way to push their "Christian nation" propaganda.
When the building first opened, these groups claimed it was a "godless pit," and a shrine to secularism, despite the fact that the center does reference some religious history. The building includes a facsimile of a story from a Virginia newspaper reporting on a sermon delivered in the Capitol in July 1801. It also discusses the internal operations of the Capitol talks about congressional chaplains. It includes an illustration of Bishop John Thomas Clagget, Senate chaplain in 1800, and a photo of the Rev. Henry N. Couden, a House chaplain, leading that chamber in prayer on Dec. 6, 1909. And a large King James Bible that was given to congressional stenographers by Sen. Huey P. Long of Louisiana in 1934 is also on display.

The phrase "In God We Trust" was also originally included on a wall in the building, but this wasn't good enough. It had to be THE focus of center, and the American Family Association lobbied to get these words boldly displayed in the main hall. 

Jay, there is no need for this. The focus of the exhibits at the Capitol Visitor Center should not be on religion, but on Congress and governance. Our government has never been based on religion, and to emphasize this phrase is to represent inaccurate history.

Besides, the Capitol Building should be a place all Americans welcome and comfortable. They're coming to visit a place where laws are made, not a religious shrine.

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Comments
Your Name
December 10, 2009 3:27 PM
http://NO

Re: G

This has nothing to do with religion, this has to do with the facts.

Do you need me to print out the first paragraph of our Constitution, again. Seeing how you use religious references as an escape goat. If you are not familiar with that term, that would be trying to ignore the facts and camouflage the evidence as to what it really says. So Mr. G whoever you are, do us all a favor and go back and reread The opening paragraph of The Constitution on references to our posterity. Which you so deny their fundamental rights to liberty and defense by your mirror lies of misleading our people down the road of a destruction of a human being. Merry Christmas G, Cara

G
December 11, 2009 7:32 PM

Your definition of posterity does not fit that recognized by U.S. law, as per the SCOTUS. This has been explained to you many times. Where is my answer concerning Madison's words. Ducked it AGAIN didn't you!

Your Name
December 12, 2009 6:52 PM

Yes Mr. G, did you have to look for some abstract definition of a child being formed as to it not being a child?

That way you can try and justify not defending people who are maturing in the womb?

Sorry, your argument does not stick in the court of law. It is too bad that people have been lead astray as to go so far as ending children's lives by way of finding false documents or false representation of maturing people in the womb.

Thanks, but no thanks, G! Your argument does not fly with me. I certainly am not going to argu with you as to children not being people. You can lie all you want, but I know the difference.

C

G
December 13, 2009 2:08 AM

Once again, no response. My point.

Bruce A,
December 29, 2009 12:58 PM

Just exactly why does Mr. Lynn have the initials "REV." in front of his name?

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About Lynn v. Sekulow

Lynn v. Sekulow is an ongoing debate blog--a blogalogue--about how big (or little) a role faith and religion should play in American politics and government, featuring the two leading voices of the church/state battle: American Center for Law & Justice Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow and Americans United for Separation of Church and State Executive Director Rev. Barry W. Lynn.

Please note that in discussing political issues, candidates’ positions and political party statements, the Rev. Barry Lynn and Jay Sekulow are offering analysis in their individual capacities as lawyers and commentators. They are not speaking on behalf of Americans United for Separation for Church and State or for the American Center for Law & Justice. Those organizations do not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. Nothing contained in this dialogue should be construed as the positions of the respective organizations.

About the Authors

Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit educational organization that defends religious liberty by opposing government interference in religion
» Posts by Rev. Barry W. Lynn
Jay Sekulow
Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a law firm and educational organization focused on protecting religious freedom, American families, and human life.
» Posts by Jay Sekulow
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