Photo by James K. Smith

When science teacher Karen Sinex came to speak to our chapter, she was met by a large enthusiastic crowd of supporters. In fact, the meeting started late because people had to go search for extra chairs. Ms. Sinex had firmly resisted an attempt to introduce Intelligent Design into her classroom and people had come to hear her tell her story and to demonstrate their support.

Ms. Sinex told her story in a quiet, factual and compelling manner and was interrupted several times by applause.

She told how a local pastor wanted her to allow a speaker on Intelligent Design into her science classroom. She cited Oregon law, which is clearly on her side, and refused to allow the speaker. However, the pastor had other ideas too. Ms. Sinex had every right to expect the school district to back her as she dealt with the ideas, but she did not feel the district was taking her side. This went on for several months until the pastor presented his ideas at a school board meeting. In response, the school superintendent and two of the school board members announced that they believed in Intelligent Design!

Ms. Sinex said she was shocked by these statements but that she did not give up. And, by their next meeting, the school board was ready to put this issue behind them. They asked Ms. Sinex to make one very minor change in a teaching material she used and then they decided to send a letter to the pastor indicating that was all they would do.

Photo by Dan Domenigoni

Historic “First Freedom First Simulcast” in Portland – March 26, 2008

A joint project of Americans United and the Interfaith Alliance

On March 26, the inspiring simulcast titled: “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Separation of Church and State … but Were Afraid to Ask!” showed in 37 theaters throughout the United States. The informative program promoted separation of church and state and featured many notable personalities, such as Michael J. Fox, who gave an especially moving plea for increased stem cell research. Also included were Americans who told about their fights for individual freedoms against great odds.

In Portland, the simulcast showed at the Regal Lloyd Center 10 Cinema, where approximately 200 people attended. Our volunteers engaged them in conversations about our chapter and about church/state separation. Many people signed the First Freedom Petition. As they left, several people commented about how much they had enjoyed the simulcast.

This program gave our chapter a chance to work with the Clark County Chapter of Americans United and the local chapter of the Interfaith Alliance as we promoted this event. By any measure the program was a big success – clearly one of the most significant separation of church and state events in Portland this year.

Photo by James Smith

Politics and Religion in the 2008 Election – Feb 11, 2008

Photo by Dan Domenigoni

Is faith a legitimate issue in an election? Professor Steven K. Green addressed this and other questions at our special chapter meeting, Feb. 11, 2008, at the Multnomah Arts Center. He explained the historical role of religion in American politics and talked about the increased emphasis on candidates’ religions in the current election.

Professor Green is a professor of Law and the director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Law & Democracy at Willamette University.

This event was taped and aired several times on public access television.

Rev. Barry Lynn Speaks – June 21, 2007

Our Chapter and Anne Bloom’s Books hosted the Rev. Barry Lynn for a speech and book signing at the First Baptist Church in downtown Portland. Well over 100 people attended and were treated to a terrific speech about current church/state issues. Rev. Lynn was informative, timely and entertaining. The speech was recorded by KBOO radio for later broadcast.

After Rev. Lynn’s talk, over 100 people signed the First Freedom First Petition.

Many also bought copies of Lynn's new book, Piety and Politics, the Right-Wing Assault on Religious Freedom, and had them signed. More about the book at: www.pietyandpolitics.com.

Rev. Lynn also appeared on The Thom Hartmann Radio Program the Monday prior to his talk and spoke at the annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, the day after our event.

Special Event - The Rev. Cedric Harmon - March 12, 2007

Photo by Dan Domenigoni

AU’s Associate Field Director Cedric Harmon, a Baptist Minister, addressed a crowd of almost 50 chapter members and friends. In his dynamic presentation, Rev. Harmon spoke about why church/state separation is a religious issue. He emphasized the importance of having religious leaders, as well as nonbelievers, understand the value of maintaining this nation’s separation of church and state.

This event was a big step for our chapter. We wanted to reiterate that separation of church and state is a religious issue. We invited Rev. Harmon to come from Washington, D.C. and we advertised the event through churches. We made a special point of inviting leaders of various faith groups and were gratified that several of them attended.

We held the event in the Windows Skyroom at the Red Lion Hotel – Portland Convention Center and began the meeting with hors d’oeuvres and a social hour so that our members had a chance to meet and network with people of the various faith groups who attended. We felt it was successful event and are encouraged to have similar events in the future.

Thanks to Susan Gates for all her work organizing this event.

Ten Commandments: Chapter Meeting - Sept. 18, 2006

AU member, retired Professor Arnold Panitch of Portland, discussed the Ten Commandments monuments placed in our public parks, courthouses and civic plazas. He reviewed the history of the monuments and wall plaques and recent US Supreme Court cases. Arnie was party to a suit against the City of Cincinnati in 1965, protesting a nativity scene on the City Hall steps. He also has firsthand knowledge about the Ten Commandments monument in Julia Davis Park in Boise, Idaho, and how it was moved to a churchyard.

Professor Steven K. Green speaks at our meeting - January 25th, 2006

Professor Steven K. Green, who served for nine years as General Counsel and Director of Policy for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, spoke at our chapter's January meeting. He gave a lively and informative talk, based on his vast experiences.

He has participated in several cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Zelman v. Simmons-Harris (2002); the Cleveland school vouchers case; Mitchell v. Helms (2000), authorizing state-paid computers and educational equipment to religious schools; and Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000), striking prayer at public school football games.

Green also has extensive legislative experience, having testified before Congress and several state legislatures. He helped draft federal and state laws affecting religious liberty interests, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (1993) and the Religious Land-Use and Institutionalized Persons Protection Act (2000). Green is a widely sought speaker and a prolific author. He is currently writing a case book on church-state law to be published by Baylor University Press.