Christian Influence in Calif. City Riles Atheists

Lawyers of atheist organizations have descended upon the city of Rancho Cordova, California saying that this Sunday's "Celebration of Faith" day is unconstitutional because there are Christians in the city government who support such a celebration, even though the city government itself is independent of the event.

"The most egregious thing here is that the city has its own day of prayer that it's sponsoring."
-- Ian Smith, staff attorney for Americans United for Separation of Church and State

For background, read Pennsylvania City Calls Atheists' Threats Stupid & Crazy and read the list of similar atheist activity.

In addition, read Texas Law Tells Schools to Ignore Atheist Threats

However in Maine, Church Leaders Agree with Atheists on Prayer

-- From "Rancho Cordova mixing church and state, critics charge" by Tillie Fong and Jeffrey Dastin, Sacramento Bee 6/25/13

Last week, the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State sent letters to Rancho Cordova's mayor, Linda Budge, demanding the city cancel the 7 p.m. event at Village Green Park Ampitheater.

Troy Holt, spokesman for the city of Rancho Cordova, said the intent of the city was to be as inclusive as possible.

Besides, he said that it's not the city that organized the events for the 10th anniversary celebration. The city has a $180,000 contract with the Cordova Community Council, a nonprofit group, to do that.

Shelly Blanchard, executive director of Cordova Community Council . . . noted that it was the churches that approached the CCC with the idea for the event, and that it was not her group's place to cancel it.

Judy Saint, president of the Greater Sacramento chapter of Freedom from Religion Foundation, had an issue with the fact that only Christian churches are involved with the event.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Rancho Cordova, CA 'Prayer Day' Violates Separation of Church and State, Say Atheist Groups" by Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter 6/25/13

. . . The event will feature instrumental and vocal music along with community prayers. It is the culmination of a "Day of Prayer" that will be observed by 10 local churches.

The city is celebrating its day of incorporation that took place on July 1, 2003. The celebration will also feature four days of activities which include concerts, a free gourmet hot dog barbeque, an art exhibit, a parade and a fireworks display.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



Also read Prayers in Government Meetings OK, Says San Francisco Court

The root issue is American Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Christian Totalitarianism