Dear Editor:
Your "Removing Religion" editorial (Globe, June 26) conveniently ignored the Constitution. The Establishment Clause prohibits government funding of religion (Everson v. Board, 330 U.S. at 15). The constitutional prohibition against taxation for religion institutions applies to all of them.
James Madison, in his 1785 "Memorial and Remonstrance," objected to taxes for religion institutions and for teachers of the Christian religion. In two February 1811 veto messages President Madison objected to congressionally passed faith-based initiative bills.
On Feb. 21: "The Bill exceeds the rightful authority, to which governments are limited by the essential distinction between civil and religious functions, and ... vests in the said incorporated (Episcopal) Church, an authority to provide for the support of the poor, and the education of poor children of the same; an authority which ... would be a precedent for giving to religious societies ... a legal agency in carrying into effect a public and civil duty" (The Papers of James Madison, Presidential Series, 3:176).
On Feb. 28: "The Bill, in reserving a certain parcel of land of the United States for the use of said Baptist church, comprises a principle and precedent for the appropriation of funds of the United States, for the use and support of religious societies; contrary to the Article of the Constitution which declares that Congress shall make no law respecting ... " (Ibid., 3:193).
The principle of separation between religion and government is voluntarism. The essence of government is coercion, which is totally out of harmony with the principle of voluntarism. Public tax (coerced) funds are for public institutions. Religion institutions are to be supported voluntarily.
Gene Garman
Pittsburg, KS
Copyright 2004 Gene Garman