Your Faith, My Freedom

By Shawn Healy

The first two clauses of the First Amendment that constitute religious liberty are often in tension. The Establishment Clause prohibits government sponsorship of religion, while the Free Exercise clause restricts government interference in practice of one's faith. Sometimes the two are in tension with one another. The holiday season brings these issues to light on a daily basis, but such controversies abound throughout the calendar year.

The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum just opened a temporary exhibit titled "Your Faith, My Freedom." Making its debut on November 18th during the annual Festival of Lights and running through January 31st, the exhibit explores 24 controversies involving issues of religious liberty that occurred across the country during the last calendar year.

Presented in a timeline format beginning in September 2005 and running through August 2006, 6 of the most prominent cases are featured in detailed descriptions with accompanying photos and primary documents. Among them are the Dover intelligent design trial and verdict, Brittany McComb's censored and aborted graduation speech, and a cross on city property in San Diego honoring the fallen soldiers of the Korean War.

Visitors have an opportunity to examine related documents like the text of McComb's speech or the Supreme Court opinion in a case involving a religious sect's right to consume sacramental tea classified as an illegal narcotic. They are later invited to leave comments in reaction to each case. For those who are unable to visit us during this time period, the exhibit is featured on our web site. Here you will find an expanded description of each of the 24 cases referenced in the exhibit, along with images that correspond with twelve of the cases.