The proposal, which Gore announced his support for
yesterday, parallels a measure introduced last year by Republican Senator John Ashcroft. It would authorize the payment of federal dollars to churches that provide social services such as drug and
alcohol counseling.In a letter to the candidate, People For the American Way's President Carole Shields expressed disappointment at Gore's decision to back a proposal that poses considerable danger to
both the Constitution and to churches that might seek to receive government funds.
"What you are proposing is a constitutional lose-lose situation," Shields wrote. "This proposal will go
wrong either way - either it will undermine the Constitution by supporting the practice of religion or it will undermine the churches' freedom by imposing limits on religious expression."
The
government currently gives support to religiously affiliated organizations such as Catholic and Jewish relief agencies that are separate from the churches or synagogues themselves. The Ashcroft measure
which Gore has now embraced would channel tax dollars directly to churches whose overriding purpose is the observance and promotion of a particular religious faith.
Shields letter also chided Gore for
distorting the position and good faith of people who oppose the use of public dollars for religious purposes.
"Caricaturing opposition to this measure as 'hollow secularism' - including religious
leaders from all across the spectrum of faiths - adds heat but no light to a serious debate that involves our most fundamental rights," Shields wrote. "Such divisive rhetoric is unworthy of this
debate and undeserved by people who are wrestling with these issues in good faith."
