Dear Friend,

The primary definition of a hymn according to the Cambridge Dictionary is  “1. a song of praise that Christians sing to God”.

The House Judiciary Committee began consideration this week of a bill to establish a national hymn. That bill, introduced last year by Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC), proposes “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the national hymn. It has long been a powerful ode to Black pride and liberation. But there are a number of questions. First, whose God should the national hymn be sung to? There are several candidates and millions of Americans who support each one. Second, why would Congress assume the authority to pick one? Doesn’t this border on making a “law respecting an establishment of religion?” (See First Amendment) The bill does not require people to sing the hymn, but isn’t that the whole idea?

At a time when the nation seems more divided than it has been in decades, is it really useful to endorse a competitor to “The Star Spangled Banner?” Don’t we have enough to disagree on already? 

But do we really have to have one? For millions of Americans the idea of a government-endorsed hymn is abhorrent. They don’t sing hymns to anyone and they don’t want the federal government to approve one. This would completely violate the secular approach to government that the First Amendment requires. The Secular Coalition for America opposes H.R. 301 and has written to the Judiciary Committee urging them to prevent Congress from endorsing one more Christian totem for a diverse and increasingly nonreligious nation. 

You can add your opposition by going to our Action Alert and contacting your Members of Congress.