Arkansas Faith Leaders Oppose Legislation Forcing Display of Ten Commandments in Schools
A coalition of 42 faith leaders from Arkansas is urging the state’s General Assembly to reject a proposed bill that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments and the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in classrooms and public buildings across the state. The call to action comes after the Arkansas Senate passed the bill, designated as S.B. 433, by a significant margin of 27 to 4.
Concerns Over Religious Freedom
In a letter addressed to lawmakers, the group, consisting of 41 Christian leaders and one Jewish representative, expressed their belief that such a mandate undermines the very principles of religious freedom that many Arkansans cherish. They stated, “A government mandate that the Ten Commandments be displayed in all government buildings demeans religious freedom.” The letter argues that the government should not dictate religious displays, which leads to an infringement on individual rights and community beliefs.
“We do not need to—and indeed should not—turn public schools into Sunday schools,” the faith leaders wrote.
Legislative Intent and Response
State Senator Jim Dotson (R-34), a key proponent of the bill, framed the Ten Commandments as “a historical reference point” that encapsulates fundamental moral principles such as prohibitions against murder and theft. According to Dotson, these principles serve as a guide for individuals to lead ethical lives.
Despite these assertions, leaders from various faith backgrounds, including Rev. Brittany Stillwell, a pastor at Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, voiced concerns regarding the appropriateness of religious texts in public education. Rev. Stillwell remarked, “I understand the Ten Commandments as holy and worthy of contemplation… They do not, however, belong in schools and other public spaces as a kitschy symbol of a shallow faith.”
Reasons for Opposition
The signatories of the letter highlighted that the Ten Commandments do not hold the same significance for all citizens in Arkansas, including those belonging to different religious traditions or no religion at all. “We recognize that the Ten Commandments hold no religious meaning for thousands of Arkansans,” they noted, further emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse religious viewpoints.
Historical Context
Similar legislation has surfaced in other states, with Louisiana being notable for fully enacting such a law last year. However, that law was subsequently blocked by a federal judge who deemed it unconstitutional. Opposition to mandatory religious displays has been voiced by various organizations, including the ACLU and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, underscoring a nationwide debate over the separation of church and state.
Conclusion: A Call for Respecting Individual Beliefs
Rev. Jennifer Hawks, a director of advocacy for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, also weighed in on the issue, recalling her upbringing in Arkansas and the independence of religious practices from government influence. “When the state writes a CliffsNotes version of a religious text and mandates its use, we all lose,” said Hawks, advocating for religious education to remain a family and community responsibility rather than a government obligation.
As the Arkansas General Assembly considers this legislation, the voices of faith leaders highlight a critical conversation about the preservation of religious diversity and the separation between public policy and personal belief systems.
