Essay About Public Schools And Subject Of Prayer

Keep the Church and State Forever SeparatedEssay Preview: Keep the Church and State Forever SeparatedReport this essayKeep the Church and State Forever SeparatedPerhaps no aspect of the church-state controversy arouses more emotion and discussion than the subject of prayer in the public schools. After all, public schools are supported with taxpayer money. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution mandates the governments neutrality between belief and nonbelief. Educators and administrators who facilitate our schools–may not lead children in prayer or force them to pray a certain way. However, all children have the right to pray voluntarily before, during, or after school, and nonreligious children do not have to pray at all.

• Article VI: Education, Religious Freedom, and Public Schools

In 1972, the American Association of Catholic Bishops (AICB) endorsed legislation protecting religious liberty. This bill was supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). For many years, the National Organization of School Bishops (NOCB) had opposed the bill because it would have prevented religious activities of all kind. The NOCB was also opposed by the conservative religious-liberty-schools lobby, and its members opposed the bill because of its implications for religious liberty.