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THE FAITH-BASED PERSPECTIVE for a Non-Sectarian SeaL
Editors' note: Following the ACLU's letter to the county regarding its sectarian seal, Supervisor Mike Antonovich created a media frenzy. The media seemed reluctant to publish either letters or op-ed pieces supporting the removal of the Latin cross from the county seal, such as this piece, which was submitted for publication, but never ran.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' recent decision to replace a Latin cross on the County seal with newly designed symbols depicting the indigenous and mission histories of our region has generated a great deal of criticism. The Board acted after receiving a letter of complaint from the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which contended that the County's official seal should not prominently display the preeminent symbol of Christianity.
As people of faith who have worked long and hard to build bridges between the diverse and meaningful faith traditions in our community, we write in support of the Board's decision.
The inclusive and unconditional nature of God's love embodied in Jesus' life is the heart of Christianity. Promoting one religious symbol over all others is the antithesis of Christ's spirit of inclusion and has led over the course of history to bleak instances of domination and persecution.
It is no coincidence that the United States of America – which has zealously guarded the line separating church and state – is among the most religious countries in the world. The framers of our Constitution, many of whom had experienced religious persecution themselves, understood the importance of government not promoting or establishing a religion. They understood that when government establishes a religion, both are diminished. They understood that the best way for government to protect religious life was to stay out of it altogether.
Those who feel less welcome in our community because its identifying symbol reflects the beliefs of one religion to the exclusion of others do not seek to eradicate religion from our history, or to eradicate history from our seal. Our seal should reflect the history that we share as a community, our history as a beacon of freedom and liberty for immigrants from around the world. People of all faiths have flocked to this country, and to this county, some to escape religious persecution, others simply to seek greater freedom and opportunity. To depict the diverse religious life of our county with the symbol of one religion – especially the dominant religion – is to send an unfortunate message to our fellow citizens that they are not full members of this community.
There is a place for religious symbols: in our churches and synagogues, mosques and temples, and other places of worship. In those sacred places, we gather to practice our diverse faiths and to honor our traditions, safe in the knowledge that if the government ever sought to interfere with our religious practice, once again the ACLU would be there to defend us – and the Constitution.
The Rev. Ed Bacon, Rector, All Saints Church, Pasadena
The Rev. Dr. George F. Regas, Rector Emeritus, All Saints Church, Pasadena
AUGUST 2004
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THE FAITH-BASED PERSPECTIVE for a Non-Sectarian SeaL
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