May 17,2006        

Mayor Teresa Isaac

Lexington Fayette Urban County Council

Dear Mayor Isaac and Council Members:                                

Like many in Fayette County, we were surprised to read the recent story regarding the proposed "gift" to the city of "historical documents," including the Ten Commandments, intended for display on public property. It is our obligation as citizens, as well as our responsibility as leaders and members of various faith communities, to remind you of the importance of maintaining the neutrality of government in regard to matters of religion.

"Historical documents" shared by all our citizens are appropriate for display in public spaces. The display of religious documents is not appropriate for public spaces as it might imply a government endorsement of a particular religious tradition. The display of such religious documents is appropriate for houses of worship and other private spaces at their owners' discretion.

Our nation's founders knew from hard experience the importance of a healthy separation of "church and state." Moreover, our nation's history has demonstrated that government is more open and religion more vital when that separation is maintained.

As you consider receiving and displaying these documents, remember that you represent all the citizens of this great city, and that among those citizens are persons of many different faiths, all of which are essential to our nation's past and present. We strongly urge you to reject any "gift" that would undermine our cherished freedom of religion and the separation of church and state upon which our freedom depends.

Respectfully,

Rev. Michael L. Ward, President

The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass

Also signed by:
Dr. Greg Earwood, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky

Rev. Mark Johnson, Central Baptist Church
Holly Shipley, Faith Lutheran Church
Deacon Mark Stauffer, Catholic Diocese of Lexington
Jenny Sutton-Amr, Islamic Society of Central Kentucky
Richard M. Renfro, Humanist Forum of Central Kentucky
Rabbi Marc Kline, Temple Adath Israel & LFUCG Human Rights Commission
Dr. Lisa Davison, Lexington Theological Seminary
Lance Brunner, Lexington Shambhala-Buddhist Meditation Center
Richard Mitchell, Lexington Friends Meeting (Quakers)
Rev. William B. Kincaid, III, Woodland Christian Church
Avinash Sathaye, Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center (Hindu Community)
Rev. Gerard Howell, Baptist

Endorsed by the Board of Directors of The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass, May 17, 2006.