Court Opinion

ID: 9463876
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 23:18:47.008772+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:38:19.937122
License: Public Domain

COLEMAN, Circuit Judge,
dissenting:
I join in the dissent filed by Judge Roney. I agree with the reasoning demonstrated in that opinion, but perhaps my views run more deeply than those there exhibited.
I do not understand that the church is operating this school as a commercial enterprise. It is a direct, intimate adjunct of church activities, conducted in the house of worship. From the earliest days, when governments were doing absolutely nothing about it, nearly all religious denominations have conducted schools, including colleges, as an integral part of their activities. If the church is to remain absolutely separate and apart from the state, then no court should have the power to compel any church to admit any student to any school operated for religious reasons.
This case may turn out to be the first step of a long, intrusive interference with the exercise of religion. I hope this does not prove to be so.