Evening star., 1948-03-15
Letters to The Star
Most Readers Dissent From Supreme Courts Stand
on Separation of Church and State

on Separation of
| To the Editor OF The Star:
Permit me to add my hearty commenda-
ton Of your editorial of March H. entitled
Church and State"
For u years it has been my high privilege
to conduct the devotions of the Congress; in
that time have made countless observations
and had many rich experiences.
Throughout the years. it has been my GUS
tom to invite substitutes, extending the
courtesy to others with no thought OF church
or creedal status. At the opening session of
each Congress as well as other times the
Congress has prayed the Lords Prayer in
unison, which has been broadcast from coast
to coast, and it has always met with general
approval
Recently had q rabbi from Berlin con-
duct the opening prayer, and seldom have we
witnessed more devout moment, as the
members gathered in the spirit Of deepest
reverence, in recognition of the one God In
whose name we take the oath OF office.
That country is measurably safe that be-
neves in Him as the source of all we have,
and the eternal hope of the world beyond
JAMES SHERA MONTGOMERY,
Chaplain, U. S. House of Representatives.
To the Editor Of The Star:
most heartily indorse your editorial
Church and State" appearing in The Star
Of March II. A copy of this editorial should
be sent to every Supreme Court Justice and
to every member Of OUR Congress.
Until recently. 1t was my naive belief that
democracy meant the wishes of the majority,
provided that it did not trespass the rights
Of the minority. Alas in the United States
Of America, as well as in poor Czechoslovakia,
this no longer is true.
One lone atheist, aided and assisted by q
Supreme Court infested with New Deal think
ing, has placed her own personal wishes
beyond and above the wishes and desires of
an overwhelming majority Of American
citizens.
How long before the Supreme Court rules
that there is no God? How soon must "In
God We Trust" vanish from our coins?
JOHN OSWALD ROWLAND.
To the Editor Of The Star:
The editorial, Church and State" spoke for
itself. In this connection, it seems q sad
spectacle to find many churchmen applauding
the Supreme Court decision men whose calling
prompts them to promote religion at all times,
come hadss or high water" under the law of
God. Now we find them praising the annihila-
ton of religion from q major sphere Of living
the public school. What's behind this? Atheists
should be happy. P. A. MARTIN
To the Editor Of The Star:
The decision of the Supreme Court to
separate religion and schools recalls the fact
that God is not mentioned in our Declara-
ton Of Independence or our Constitution
The founders Of our great republic, of course,
were aware that religious conceptions are
subject to change. Not 50 long ago, people
actually believed in vengeful God who
consigned His sinful children to everlasting
flames. Galileo's solar discoveries met stub
born resistance from dogmatic men, and
spinoza was mentally crucified when he
taught broader and more beautiful concep-
tions of God and the universe.
Who but the unenlightened. would want
ancient orthodox gods in the Constitution
and Declaration of independence? People,
as always, will continue to disagree on the
nature of God; and 1t is great privilege to
live in a country where free thought exists.
If this were not the case, agnostics and
progressive thinkers would occupy cells or
be burned at stakes.
Our Supreme Court has acted wisely in
keeping public schools free from interference
from religious training especially as the
various schools Of orthodox thought are fire.
quently in complete disagreement. The schools
must be kept free from conflict and clashing
opinions The Golden Rule" inscribed on
every ruler" would impress growing children
far more than threats of hell-fire or other
dogmas that are outgrown
EDMUND K. GOLDSBOROUGH.
To the Editor Of The Star:
I read your editorial entitled Church and
State" and never have been more grateful
for your paper and its stand on things that
matter. Also the cartoon on the first page:
First, I was glad to see that; then after
reading the editorial, am proud that here
in the Nations Capital we have q paper like
The Star whose editors are grounded in the
faith Of our God I am grateful that you
speak out for what is one of our greatest
needs today. 1t is my sincere hope that the
people will take this profound matter to
their hearts and demand some definite law
that will not take away the voluntary study
of religion in our schools or. prohibit the
singing of Christmas carols, or the reciting
OF the Lords Prayer, or the reading Of the
Bible in devotional periods.
Thank you again for your editorial.
MARTHA J. WOODRUFF.
To the Editor OF The Star:
In these fearful days when civilization faces
one crisis after another, brought about by
materialistically minded mnorities seemingly
determined to turn the world back to paganism,
it is most refreshing to read such an editorial
as Church and State" which appeared in
Thursdays Star. wish to express my heartfelt
appreciation for it. MARY JAMESON.
To the Editor Of The Star:
Your editorial of March II was certainly of
national Importance If not Of importance to
the whole world. The mastery way in which
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