Separation Of Church And State, The Time To Act is Now

Donald H. Erickson, 33 813 S. 80th Omaha, Nebraska  68114

Brother Erickson accents how the Scottish Rite principle of
church/state separation relates to contemporary efforts by some
religious denominations to violate First Amendment rights and so
breach America's traditional wall of separation.

In  the November 1991 Scottish Rite Journal highlighting the
Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights, Grand Commander C. Fred
Kleinknecht, 33, said:

        "With church-state separation in such jeopardy, now is the
time for Masons across the nation to rededicate themselves to this
historic principle. We must inform ourselves about these issues and
take action to rebuild confidence in the separation concept. Masons
can play a key role in shoring up support for this vital principle
among the people."  Emphasis added.

        This message has particular relevance to all Masons today
because the challenges to First Amendment rights are showing up in
our own back yards by way of state legislators considering and
sometimes adopting tax tuition credit or voucher programs for
private elementary and secondary educational schools. Many of those
schools are missions of one particular religious denomination or
another. Through such programs, church and state become entangled,
and the democratic pluralism and religious freedom Ame have enjoyed
for these two hundred years become endangered.

        Our Grand Commander was right. We must be informed and take
action. It is never too late to stand up for our rights as
guaranteed by the Constitution. The difficulty is in transforming
concerns into an ongoing motivation to act. 

        A number of years ago, for instance, a proposal to amend
Nebraska's Constitution to provide for direct state support of
private schools, many of which were missions of one particular
religious denomination or another, gave cause for local groups,
Masonic and non-Masonic, to rise up in alarm. Motivation was no
problem then, and the proposition was defeated. But interest
receded, and the people felt the battle was won, when in fact it
was just beginning.

        Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. The forces that
wish their particular point of view to control in society,
regardless of the First Amendment, are and have been constantly
involved in the political process. Their efforts are now bearing
fruit, and it is more important than ever that Freemasons build an
awareness of First Amendment rights through a continuing program of
education.

        Your Valley's  Americanism and Education Committee can
become an effective force in this endeavor. The Valley of Omaha,
for instance, has, over the past few years, developed a curriculum
designed to highlight religious freedom and church/state issues by
having regular meetings and making a current report on local and
national developments at our regular monthly meetings. In addition,
we have had recognition dinners for Scottish Rite members and other
community leaders who have been prominent in the ion of individual
freedoms under the First Amendment and similar provisions of state
constitutions.

        There are a number of pamphlets and books sponsored by the
Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction,1 which we display and attempt
to disseminate at every meeting and during Reunions. Just recently,
we were favored with an outstanding video, prepared and sponsored
by Americans United, on the history of the separation of church and
state under the First Amendment.2 There are also a number of
members who have volunteered as speakers to various fraternal and
civic groups on religious freedom and church/sta es.

        We have been able to do these educational endeavors by
getting the offices of the four coordinate Bodies involved as
members of the Omaha Valley Americanism and Education Committee.
Many Valleys are doing the same, and I would hope that as these
committees become active in each Valley there can be a
communication between Valleys on a quarterly basis so that
activities and ideas can be shared. In this way the Scottish Rite
can build a network which can have a grass-roots effect in
supporting the righ reedom of religion and separation of church and
state under the First Amendment.

        Then I believe the principles of The Supreme Council, 33,
will carry the day and ensure a continued strongly democratic and
pluralistic society. In summary, it is beneficial to review and
reaffirm the official statement of principles of our Fraternity as
shown on the next page.     s


1. Anchor of Liberty, and "Light to Light" by C. Fred Kleinknecht;
Dynamic Freedoms by The Supreme Council, 33; Masons Who Shaped Our
Nation by Henry C. Clausen; A Bridge to Light by Rex R. Hutchens;
Masonic Philanthropies by S. Brent Morris.

2. "Religious Freedom: Made in America" 16-minute VHS videotape
with companion booklet and discussion guide. $10.00 including S/H,
checks payable to Americans United. Call 301-589-3707 or write
Americans United for Separation of Church and State, 8120 Fenton
Street, Silver Spring, Maryland  20910.

Donald H. Erickson has been a Scottish Rite Mason since 1962. He is
a Past Venerable Master of the Omaha Lodge of Perfection and member
of the Cathedral Association's Board of Trustees acting as Chairman
of their Budget and Finance Committee. Bro\ Erickson, an attorney,
is also Chairman of the Omaha Valley Education and Americanism
Committee and active in Americans United for Separation of Church
and State.





