When Christian Nationalism Becomes Public Policy
This issue of A Public Witness explores alarming new moves to implement Christian Nationalistic ideas in Indiana and Oklahoma before considering a glimmer of hope in Texas.
Takeaways From AP’s Report on Churches Starting Schools in Voucher States
In addition to discrimination concerns and church-state issues, opponents worry school vouchers take money from public schools, which serve most students, and benefit higher-income families who already use private schools.
Oklahoma Teachers Were Told to Use the Bible. There’s Resistance From Schools As Students Return
The resistance follows a summer order that propelled Oklahoma to the center of a growing push by conservatives to give Christianity a bigger role in public schools across the U.S.
Relitigating the Bible in Public Schools
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the creation of the law that eventually led to the Supreme Court’s case on the Bible in schools to determine what it teaches us about Christian Nationalistic motivations today.
Bills to Enhance Religion in Schools Spur Fights Between Faiths
As lawmakers push faith-focused education bills, the statutes are facing pushback from an unexpected source: other religious people.
Ten Commandments. Multiple Variations. Why the Louisiana Law Raises Preferential Treatment Concerns
The required text prescribed in the new law and used on many monuments around the U.S. is a condensed version of Scripture with ties to “The Ten Commandments” movie from 1956 and commonly associated with Protestants.
Oklahoma State Superintendent Orders Schools to Teach the Bible in Grades 5 Through 12
The directive is the latest salvo in an effort by conservative-led states to target public schools: Louisiana has required them to post the Ten Commandments, while others are under pressure to ban books and lessons about race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Public Funds for Religious Charter School Would Be Unconstitutional, Oklahoma High Court Says
The high court determined the school board's vote to approve the application by the Catholic Archdiocese for the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School violates both the Oklahoma and U.S. constitutions, as well as state law.
Clergy, Parents File Suit Against Louisiana Ten Commandments Law
'This is religious favoritism, and it is not only dangerous, but runs counter to my religion and faith,' said the Rev. Jeff Sims, a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and a plaintiff in the case.
Why Forced Posting of the Ten Commandments Weakens Both Church and State
Contributing writer Greg Mamula walks through the various biblical, theological, and civic concerns raised by Louisiana’s attempt to mandate display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.