Inspired by yesterday's Iraq rant, and the future of their church-state relations, I got an email from the folks at First Freedom First about a little known anniversary.



Sixty years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Everson v Board of Education, a landmark case about the separation fo church and state.

The decision itself is a little confusing - it's about a state's right to use money for busses that go to Catholic schools - but it was important in defining the "establishment clause". How much can the government participate in religion? All nine judges agreed:

Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions or prefer one religion over another. Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will or force him to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion. No person can be punished for entertaining or professing religious beliefs or disbeliefs, for church attendance or non-attendance. No tax in any amount, large or small, can be levied to support any religious activities or institutions, whatever they may be called, or whatever form they may adopt to teach or practice religion. Neither a state nor the Federal Government can, openly or secretly, participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups and vice versa. In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect 'a wall of separation between Church and State.

- Justice Hugo Black

If you haven't heard of it, you must not be watching 700 club with Pat Robertson (I haven't). He has repeated bashed the decision on his show.

Polls show that, while Americans have strong religious feelings, they have a healthy respect for the seperation of church and state. So, put a candle in cupcake and celebrate.