RELIGIOUS
ETIQUETTE
Being considerate of others is the first rule of good manners.
We live in a religiously diverse nation. Public religious
expression should not intrude upon or override the religious
preferences of others. Bad manners are legal, but we should
not condone or encourage inconsiderate religious behavior.
Religious zeal must be tempered by good manners.
PUBLIC PRAYER
When asked to lead a prayer at a public event where religious
convictions are diverse, choose words that unite rather than
divide the community. Be sensitive to those present who may
have religious views different from your own. Create an environment
of warmth and understanding rather than offering a lesson
in your personal theology. Alternatives could be to ask for
short prayers from various faith traditions or to provide
a moment of silence for those in attendance to meditate or
pray in their own way for a successful event.
The Tulsa Interfaith Alliance has available a more detailed
set of guidelines for public prayer.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites
are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and
in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.
Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when
thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut
thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father
which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye
pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be
not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what
things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Jesus of Nazareth,
Matthew 6: 5-8
PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Prayer has not been banned in public schools. A moment of
silence is permissible at the beginning of a school day but
may not be introduced as a requirement to pray. Public schools
may not sponsor or coerce religious exercises. But religious
groups may hold non-compulsory religious services, such as
a baccalaureate ceremony, in school facilities if the school
as a general practice makes its facilities available to outside
groups. Students may be exempted from exercises they find
objectionable on religious grounds.
STUDENT RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Public schools may not promote holiday observances as a religious
event. Religious holidays may be acknowledged with a goal
of understanding and showing respect for the diversity of
religion in our society. Public schools may not permit religious
or anti-religious activities which become disruptive. Religious
clubs may meet during the school day under the same provisions
as other comparable student groups. Student distribution of
religious literature among classmates may be done on the same
terms that students would be permitted to distribute other
literature unrelated to school curriculum and activities.
LEARNING ABOUT RELIGION IN PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
Teachers, administrators or other school employees may not
encourage, discourage, interfere or participate in student
religious or anti religious activity. Students may express
their religious beliefs in oral and written assignments and
artwork. They may discuss religion in relation to their studies
where it is relevant. Educators may teach about religion but
may not promote particular religious beliefs. They may teach
about and discuss topics such as, comparative religion, the
history of religion, the Bible and other scripture as literature,
religious holidays, and religion as it has influenced civilization,
history, the arts. Outsiders may not conduct religious instruction
on school premises during the school day, but students may
be released for off-premises religious instruction.
EVOLUTION AND CREATIONISM IN PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
In 1987 the Supreme court ruled that creationism is a religious
belief whereas evolution is a scientific theory. Teaching
religious beliefs should not be part of the regular public
school curriculum. The basis for belief in creationism is
found in the Bible. The scientific theory of evolution is
based on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. The
Biblical creation story has two versions. Other cultures and
religions have their own creation stories. For public schools
to select one of these over another would be inappropriate.
Some creationists suggest that being an evolutionist is a
denial of faith in God. Evolutionary theory based on scientific
method and evidence is unaffected by one's belief or non-belief
in a creator God. Supporting the science of evolution does
not require that one be an atheist.
Of course a specific religious creed shouldn't be posted
in a courtroom dedicated to justice for all. Constitutional
or not, such a message doesn't exactly create an atmosphere
of impartial justice. Paul Greenberg
POSTING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
Some courts have allowed government displays of the Ten Commandments
and others have barred posting the list. The Bible contains
two versions, one in Exodus 20:1-17 and the other in Deuteronomy
5:6-21. Jews, Catholics and Protestants have different preferences
in wording.
In February and in May of 2002 the Supreme Court turned down
appeals seeking permission to display the commandments on
public property. Proponents of posting the commandments see
the issue as a question of the "extent to which government
may acknowledge and accommodate religion as being an important
part of our nation's heritage." Opponents consider the
Ten Commandments to be a religious icon.
All Americans should feel welcome when they walk into
a city hall, a courthouse or a public school. The posting
of religious symbols there says some religious groups are
better than others. Barry Lynn
