The Phoenix Jewish news., 1963-06-28


The American Jewish Congress welcomes the decision
of the court that will prove of significant benefit
to the of religion and religious freedom America
In holding that the public school may ntrude itself
into the religious training of children the court has under
scored the Importance of the home the church and the
synagogue as the proper of transmitting spi
tua heritage to our people The court has, at the
time strengthened the public school system the
symbol OF American democracy and the chief instrument
for promoting our common destiny
The majority opinion is also consistent with previous
rulings aimed at safeguarding religious institutions
from interference by the state institutions
from intrusion by the church.
For all these reasons, we believe the American people
will recognize the decision one to which all men of
good will can adhere and which of all faiths can
follow.
The Synagogue Council of America:
The concept of the separation of church from state
has not led to the separation of Americans from God hut
has led to genuine demonstration of people in
more lasting union of America under God. Many of
forefathers fled systems of which prescribed
for them religious observances which not accord
with their religious convictions. They to these
shores to worship their maker according to the dictates
of their conscience History has proven the wisdom of
their faith. In nation, religion separated from the
state flourishes as nowhere else in the world.
The Supreme Court of the United States has again
Cured with its previous opinions that the classroom should
not be used for religious instruction
AS relgionists dedicated with heart and hand
to the service of God and fellow man. We reaffr
fe YET fervently believe that prayers bible readings
and sectaran practices should be fostered in the home
the public school should be free of such practices
We believe that this decision is challenge to clergy
and aity alike to redoube their efforts in sprtuazng
the homes of America Religion becomes meanngfu not
only when it is taught in churches and SynagOgueS but
when it is practced in homes AS people of faith,
let US have faith in religious resources and faith
IN the process OF American democracy.
The American Jewish Committee:
The American Jewish Committee regards the Supreme
Court decision which held Bible reading and prayer rec
taton in public schools to be unconstitutional re-
affirmation of the historic American principle of
tion of Church and State.
This should encourage religious groups and individuals
to intensity their spiritual and educational activities in
the Church, Synagogue, home and religious school,
hope that this decision in the First Amend
ment to the u S. Constitution will be accepted for what
it s-the law of the land We further trust that the
public reaction to the decision will be based under
standing of the basic issues. Il
rather than by the misconceptions which rggered
by the Supreme Courts 1862 Regents Prayer decision
The New York Board of Rabbis:
The New York Board of Rabbis organization deep
y committed to the spiritual OF man and
the community We religious leaders in faith Tor
which prayer is natural language Of erce
book for prayer the product OF the jewish
yearning for communion with God We know that prayer
is essential ingredient for the nurture of our youth
and the medium through which man ennobles and pur
fes his heart and soul AS the people OF the Bible we
Jews have special interest in making this BOOK OF DIVINE
Revelation part of the daily living OF our people,
"It is precisely for these reasons declared Rabbi
Mowshowitz, that in the decision OF the Su-
preme Court of the United States that Bible reading and
recitation of the Lords Prayer unconstitutional IS
conviction that moral and spiritual education much
too important and too sensitive to be diluted and to be
entrusted to school climate where the atmosphere
and spirit of prayer and deep commitment to persona
faith lacking Prayer and the Bible are so sacred to
that consider ill advised to hand them over to
the public school which must abide by the American
tradition of separation of church and state We feel that
the Supreme Court decision is decision not against but
for religion It serves to remind us that we dare not
NIT the church. synagogue and home to give up It's prl-
mary stake in the development of the spiritual values OF
our individual commitments.
''The decision of the Supreme Court is challenge to
all men of religion to develop more effective methods
by which religious values truly inform the lives OF
the congregants and the policy of our nation
eve call upon all religious bodies to counsel together
in the development of enriched program OF Bible