FFRF Blasts Governmental Ties with Church
Targeted News Service |
The Freedom From
FFRF, a state-church watchdog based in
In that lawsuit, FFRF and its chapter, the
Staff Attorney
Rampant religious activity at
Regular prayer sessions attended by football coaches and players, including prayers led by Venue Church Pastor
Bible verses on signs and apparel are common. A large banner saying "Prepare for Glory, 2 Corinthians 4:17" was displayed at the football field as was another banner with a verse from John 15:13. Several T-shirts and jerseys combine the school logo with religious messages.--
Highlight reels of
Applications and contracts between schools and the church regarding use of district facilities.--
Proof of the church's liability insurance coverage and payment for facility use, including rental rate schedules.--
All email correspondence between any district staff and Pastors
Contracts with AH Media.--
Any official or unofficial policies on ownership and wearing of uniforms for any
" It also appears that Lamphere led a mission trip for football coaches and players last summer. "Nonschool persons cannot be allowed to treat the school as a recruiting ground for their religious mission," Seidel added. "
It is very clear that a religious atmosphere has been directed and cultivated in the school district. No doubt some of these problems arise because of the school's unconstitutional relationship with
" Seidel detailed several more constitutional issues in FFRF's
-- Public endorsement of the church by district officials, including board Chairperson
-- The Church published a note from
-- Special access was apparently given to pastors to district activities and to pray with
-- Lake Brantley Fellowship of Christian Athletes Twitter messages indicate club formation and activities were coordinated with the church, a violation of the federal Equal Access Act, which states school clubs are "voluntary and student-initiated" and that "nonschool persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups."
-- District promotion of staff participation in two religion-based physical fitness programs founded by
-- Rental by
-- Lamphere's biography states he was chaplain of the
"[W]hat I'm very excited about is that Venue is located in the heart and soul of the
" Seidel wrote, "Your active promotion of
FFRF told Glancy it's an "inappropriate usurpation" of her office for her to use her title to promote any church, in particular
TNS 24HariRad-140311-30FurigayJane-4662033 30FurigayJane
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