John Logan: Our allegiance for ‘wall of separation’ must remain sacrosanct

It is a good thing the author of the Declaration of Independence had the forethought to express the essence and intent in the phrase “wall of separation between church and state.”

The spirit of the wall of separation is also written into the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Centuries later, this concept of the secular state and its neutrality toward religion is still being challenged. Whether at the national, state or local levels, that wall of separation is important if the integrity and spirit of our Constitution is to be kept alive.

In April 2014, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted to endorse and recognize a religious organization called the Door of Hope. The faith-based organization helps women with unplanned pregnancies through support, counseling and ministry. As the Door of Hope offers positive constructive programs and counseling, the problem of separation of church and state is not with the organization.

The problem lies with the Board of Supervisors, which passed and reaffirmed a resolution specifically commending the Door of Hope.

The resolution noted that the Door of Hope helps women so they can “test and see” the blessings that come from “living the teachings of Christ,” and the board “recognizes the (organization’s) valiant efforts.”

This resolution passed on a 3-2 vote. In July 2014, the Calaveras board, after some public outcry and a threat of litigation, removed the single word “unborn” and reaffirmed the resolution.

In the beginning of 2015, about a dozen citizens of Calaveras County became plaintiffs in a lawsuit, backed by the ACLU, in an effort to get the Board of Supervisors to rescind their resolution. The ACLU argued that, contrary to California’s Constitution, the resolution “went beyond honoring good work to also promote a specific religion,” and, “on the grounds that the government can’t recognize any religious institution.”

The Calaveras Board of Supervisors can show appreciation for a faith-based religious entity, but it cannot sanction or endorse a particular religion.

In March, the board rescinded the resolution. Yet, some on the board still believe their actions and original resolution did not violate the constitutional prohibition on endorsing a specific religion. They concluded that it was better for the county to rescind the resolution than spend tax dollars fighting a lawsuit.

Novella Coleman, an ACLU attorney, said her organization was happy that the board “decided to do the right thing. I think that it reaffirms that all Calaveras County residents should feel equal before the Board of Supervisors, regardless of religion.”

After a year of dismay and anger from both sides, grudges and finger-pointing are carrying on. In the end, the Door of Hope will continue to offer faith-based help to people in need – and we know there is much need in society.

We also know what was written in the Constitution over 200 years ago still influences and protects our nation today.

This story was originally published April 14, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "John Logan: Our allegiance for ‘wall of separation’ must remain sacrosanct."