There really is confusion out there. Finding common ground sounds good. But the reality is, a lot of people on all sides have a stake in the fight. |
There's been an effort over recent decades to persuade many conservative religious people that separation is not in the Constitution, and to undermine support for it. |
These are cases courts like the least; they stir raw emotions. Whatever they decide will be misunderstood; I don't think any side will be happy with the result. Even the winning side loses because of the deep divisions that will result. |
This guide offers a third choice. Treat religion with fairness and respect. Keep the government neutral in matters of religion, not promoting religion or denigrating it. |
This is not a Sunday school course. I think the legislature didn't do its homework, didn't think about the ramifications of this. |
This is not about compromising convictions. This is about finding ways to work and live together as American citizens. |
This is very unusual. In fact, it is unprecedented to have these kinds of courses offered with this kind of support from the state. |
Today it's something about hallucinogenic tea, but tomorrow it could be something that Roman Catholics or Southern Baptists or a number of groups need some accommodation in relation to a federal law. |
We think it reflects the standards we agreed to. |