When a religious organization tries to control the political process through partisan activities, elected officials at the very least risk losing the appearance of impartiality toward a particular religious belief. When the government begins to show favoritism toward a religious group, it brings religious differences to the fore in the culture, it promotes competition to become the favored group, it reduces religious tolerance, and it encourages religious groups to attempt to control the political process. Unfortunately, the free exercise clause of the First Amendment is very often used as an excuse to undermine the establishment clause of the First Amendment by creating a de-facto official religion or the appearance of one. Maintaining the balance that gives us religious liberty requires eternal vigilance, and a comprehensive understanding of the many issues involved. It fosters competition among religious groups to have the official prayers match their own beliefs.
All students currently have the right to pray in school.
It is organized prayer that is specifically not allowed. The display of the Ten Commandments in government buildings, especially courtrooms and classrooms, is extremely problematic. The US Constitution is the law of the land, not the Ten Commandments. This is clearly spelled out in Article VI of the Constitution. The display of the Ten Commandments, which include very specific religious instructions, gives the clear appearance of judicial favoritism to Jews and Christians, in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.