While they await a judge's decision as to whether graduation ceremonies can take place in a local church, advocates gathered for a debate sponsored by the ACLU of Connecticut. The discussion centered on the controversy surrounding Enfield's high school's commencements (a temporary injunction bars them from using a church as planned), but according to the Hartford Courant's report ranged to many issues regarding religion in public schools. I was especially drawn to this description (my emphasis):
Moderator Rick Kay, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law, opened the debate by noting that the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court on religion and public schools showed "considerable internal inconsistency."
[The ACLU's Anthony] Romero and [The Becket Fund's Kevin] Hasson debated questions including whether it was ever permissible to hold a public high school graduation in a religious building and if there was a place for religion in the public school curriculum. They disagreed on nearly every aspect of every question.
On one hand, Professor Kay's reading finds remarkable consistency in court rulings, and yet advocates still find room to disagree on…well, apparently everything. There is an extraordinary and enduring rift in this country when it comes to intersections of church and state – all good folks of good intention who believe passionately and are firmly convinced that the law supports their position. Our solutions must be sought with good faith and trust in each other's good will, with the protection of all Americans at heart. Religious liberty can be maintained only with that high level of understanding, empathy, and commitment to living together in peace.
