wfn.org | NCCCUSA Re. Ruling, Religious Freedom Restoration Act

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Contact:  Carol Fouke or Wendy McDowell, NCC News, 212-870-
2227
  The Rev. Oliver Thomas, 423-977-9046
Internet: c/o carol_fouke.parti@ecunet.org

NCC6/25/97     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION TO STRIKE DOWN
THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT

By the Rev. Oliver Thomas
Special Counsel for Religious and Civil Liberties
National Council of Churches
and
Chair, Coalition for the Free Exercise of Religion

The Supreme Court today struck down America's best 
protection for real religious freedom.  Every religious 
person in the United States will be hurt by this decision.  
It will simply take time for them to realize it.

Church schools are now vulnerable to new regulation.  Church 
buildings - like the one in Boerne, Texas - are now subject 
to new restrictions on the use of their property.  In short, 
all people of faith, their practices and institutions are 
now placed in jeopardy.

The Flores decision will likely be remembered as the Dred 
Scott of church-state law.  But, as with Dred Scott, 
Americans working together will overcome this setback to 
freedom.

June 25, 1997

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