An Open Letter to the Governor, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Political Party Leaders:

March 27, 2006

Dear Governor Fletcher, Members of the General Assembly and Fellow Citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Greetings on behalf of The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass, a non-partisan organization committed to promoting the positive role of religion in public life.

Recently we were disturbed to learn that members of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky received "surveys" asking each legislator directly if he or she has "accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." That this was not a disinterested inquiry regarding personal faith but a survey committed to political consequences is confirmed by the statement included with the faith question that the responses of individual legislators "may be provided to local churches in your area." Further, space for testimonies that also may be circulated was provided. It seems apparent that the survey seeks to promote Christian faith among our elected officials and further implies that failure to embrace the Christian religion will have negative political impact. The survey assumes the legitimacy of a ?religious test' for holding public office contrary to the United States Constitution, and carries an implied intimidation against those who do not ?pass the test.' We believe this survey insults citizens of all faiths who believe in the healthy separation of religious institutions and the bodies of our government. We strongly reject any attempt to impose a religious test upon our political processes.

The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass is composed of persons of deep conviction from a variety of religious traditions including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and others. We strongly encourage participation in the political process by persons of all faiths. Each person, out of his/her individual religious tradition, brings important perspectives and convictions to the political and decision-making process. A free and mutually respectful exchange of ideas represents the best in American democracy. On the other hand, when any religion seeks privileged position in government, or seeks to drive persons of other religions out of the political process, the freedom of religion is compromised for all of us. Therefore, we strongly reject any attempt to manipulate the political process for religious ends.

We call upon the Governor, the members of the General Assembly, and the leadership of all political parties, as an expression of respect for citizens of all faiths, to refuse to answer this particular "survey." Further, we ask political leaders to publicly reject this and all other inappropriate intrusions of religious intimidation into the institutions and processes of our government.

Respectfully,

The Interfaith Alliance of Bluegrass
The Rev. Michael L. Ward, President