Why Religious Organizations Oppose Displaying the Ten Commandments on Government Property

An Audio Press Briefing Hosted by The Interfaith Alliance and The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty

February 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On March 2, 2005 the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases to decide the constitutionality of religious displays on government property. In the most religiously diverse nation in the world, several religious organizations have filed briefs with the court opposing government-sponsored displays of religious doctrines. Organizations filing briefs include the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, the Interfaith Alliance Foundation, American Jewish Congress, Hindu American Foundation, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, and others.

WHAT:

• Audio Press Briefing
• After listening to a brief introduction from religious leaders and legal counsel who filed the briefs, reporters will be invited to ask questions.

WHEN:

• Wednesday, February 23, 2005
• Noon Eastern time, 9 a.m. Pacific time

WHO:

• The Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President, The Interfaith Alliance (www.interfaithalliance.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=8dJIIWMCE&b=275672)
• J. Brent Walker, Executive Director, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (www.BJConline.org/about/staff_walker.htm)
• K. Hollyn Hollman, General Counsel, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (www.BJConline.org/about/staff_hollman.htm)
• Steven Freeman, Associate Director for Civil Rights, Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.org)
• Other religious leaders and legal counsel will also be available

The panel will address such questions as:

• Is it anti-religious to oppose religious displays on government property?
• Are such displays good or bad for religion?
• Are such displays good or bad for a healthy democracy in a nation of many religions?
• Do these displays constitute government establishment or endorsement of religion?
• Should government be picking which version of the Ten Commandments to display?
• Should the government display sacred texts of other religions?

HOW:

• To listen and participate call: 1-866-814-8449 (toll-free)
• Conference Name: Ten Commandments
• Moderator: Welton Gaddy

Read the BJC/TIA briefs: Van Orden vs. Perry and McCreary County vs. ACLU.

For more information, please contact: Don Parker, Press Secretary, The Interfaith Alliance, 800.510.0969; dparker@interfaithalliance.org; or Jeff Huett, Director of Communications, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, 202.544.4226; jhuett@bjconline.org.

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