White House Issues Prayer Day Proclamation

As expected, President Obama has issued the proclamation declaring Thursday, May 6 a National Day of Prayer, despite a recent court ruling that the underlying law violates the separation of church and state. The President's statement emphasizes prayer as a way for...

Religious Freedom Commission Issues Annual Report

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has released its annual report of the state of religious liberty throughout the world. As it did last year, the Commission recommends 13 countries to be designated "countries of particular concern" by the...

Virginia Governor Reverses Chaplain Prayer Policy

Without fanfare, newly elected Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has rescinded state trooper policy that requires police chaplains to offer only non-sectarian prayer in their official capacities during state events. The change will allow specifically Christian prayers...

From the Dissent: Key Quotes from the Mojave Cross Decision

Retiring Justice John Paul Stevens wrote a dissenting opinion (pp. 40-65) in yesterday's Salazar v. Buono ruling (pdf), joined by Justices Ginsburg and Sotomayor. In my view, the District Court was right to enforce its prior judgment by enjoining Congress’...