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We put together a document ([link removed]) that explains why the United States was not established as a Christian nation, which will be especially relevant for the next six months. The observance of the nation's 250th birthday has begun. I know this because for the last six nights the Washington Monument has had an 18 minute summary of American history and progress projected on it, which you can watch here ([link removed]) . Now, some parts of that history like the Louisiana Purchase don’t lend themselves to a 55-foot by 555-foot screen, and the narration is a little flowery, but overall it’s pretty impressive in person.
Unfortunately they couldn’t resist adding “America, blessed by God” in the narration during the pioneer days segment. At least the narrator doesn’t say “Founded as a Christian nation." We’re going to see more of that than usual between now and July 4. There’s an ongoing effort by Christian nationalists and others to convince everyone that the Founding Fathers wanted a Christian nation and therefore we’re entirely justified in taking steps towards that goal today.

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is the perfect occasion to advance that argument because its supporters rely extensively on some phrases in the Declaration to make their case. The Declaration ([link removed]) references a “Creator” and “Nature’s God.” It does not reference the God of the Bible, Christianity, or Jesus. More importantly, the Declaration does not establish a framework for the government of the new nation. It is, as one member of Congress whom we like says, a breakup letter with England, primarily a list of 27 grievances with the King. The Constitution was the “put up or shut up” document on Christianity in our government, and it is clearly, decidedly a secular document that establishes a secular government.

As a public service we put together this statement ([link removed]) you can use to refute the “established as a Christian nation" argument whenever it pops up. It's probably a little more comprehensive than necessary so feel free to cut and paste anything you need or just direct people to the link. We're sharing it with Capitol Hill offices and our Coalition member organizations.

By the way, if you want to change the argument away from Christianity or the lack of it in the Declaration, ([link removed]) try this: ask how many of its 27 complaints about the King of England’s treatment of the Colonies seem familiar today.
* "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good."
* "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."
* "For imposing Taxes [Tariffs] on us without our Consent."

I think you can find a few more.
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You might have the impression that there’s a lot going on in the world right now but you can’t tell that from the House schedule. Here’s what the Rules Committee, which decides what bills and amendments will be considered by the full House, has lined up for the week: “The House Rules Committee will prepare two bills for the floor this week: the SHOWER Act, which redefines a showerhead, and the Affordable HOMES Act, which changes efficiency standards for certain homes.”

I needed to know what the tortured full name of the SHOWER Act ([link removed]) is that resulted in that acronym. Here it is: the “Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing Act.” You can learn more about why the bill’s sponsor thinks it matters here ([link removed]) . Spoiler; it’s a Presidential priority.

Bottom line, SCA is taking credit for the House not passing any bills harmful to church-state separation for another week.



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Scott MacConomy, Director of Policy ad Government Affairs at the Secular Coalition for America, wears a blue suit and stands with his arms crossed over his chest in front of the United States Capitol Building.

Your advocate,

Scott MacConomy
Director of Policy and Government Affairs
Secular Coalition for America
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The Secular Coalition for America works every day to defend the separation of religion and government and to fight anti-democratic ideologies like Christian nationalism. Your support for this work is vital.

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P.S. Please consider leaving a legacy gift to the Secular Coalition for America ([link removed]) . The protection of our secular values requires eternal vigilance.

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