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Recent Articles from Charles C. Haynes
Charles C. Haynes: ‘School prayer’ push is a power play
Never say die. That must be the motto of politicians, religious leaders and school leaders who keep pushing for state-sponsored prayers in public schools more than 50 years after the Supreme Court struck down the practice as a violation of the Establishment clause of the First Amendment.
Charles C. Haynes: To stop the madness, put a face to faith
No quick fix — diplomatic or military — will dissolve the centuries of distrust and rivalry that fuel the sectarian conflict in Syria, where Alawites and Shiites are pitted against Sunnis, with Christians caught in the crossfire.
Charles C. Haynes: When students protest abortion, can schools draw line?
Students with deep religious convictions are fast turning public schools into the newest battleground over abortion — much to the dismay of beleaguered school officials.
Charles C. Haynes: When do student prayers cross First Amendment line?
Students are free to pray in public schools — except when they aren’t.
Charles C. Haynes: God on the steps of the Capitol
Prayers delivered at presidential inaugurations are rarely quoted and quickly forgotten, at least in the earthly realm.
Charles C. Haynes: Losing their religion? No, schools must get it right
Millions of kids are returning to school, and, contrary to culture-war rhetoric, most of them won’t leave their faith at the schoolhouse door.
Charles C. Haynes: The legalities of feeding the homeless in Philly
Church ministries have been feeding homeless people in Philadelphia’s public parks for decades – not as a charitable gesture but as an act of faith.
Charles C. Haynes: Religious affiliation dims as factor in presidential race
Remember all the media chatter during the primaries about how the “Mormon factor” could undermine Mitt Romney’s candidacy? Forget about it. American voters, it turns out, are mostly unconcerned about Romney’s religious affiliation or have no idea what it is. Only 60 percent of voters are aware that Romney is a Mormon, 9 percent think […]
Charles C. Haynes: Religious freedom favors none, protects all
Louisiana State Rep. Valarie Hodges used to be a big fan of school vouchers. “I liked the idea,” she explained, “of giving parents the option of sending their children to a public school or a Christian school.”
Charles C. Haynes: The perils and politics of ‘don’t say gay’
If 20 Republican lawmakers in Missouri have their way, it will soon be illegal for administrators, teachers and even students to talk about homosexuality in the state’s public schools. Derided as the “don’t say gay” bill by opponents, HB 2051 “prohibits the discussion of sexual orientation in public school instruction, material or extracurricular activity except […]
Charles C. Haynes: School wars 4.0 — renewing the fight over religion
Contrary to culture-war mythology, God is alive and well in many, if not most, public schools. Visit almost any school in America and you’ll find students sharing their faith, reading their scriptures, saying grace before lunch and, in high schools, meeting in religious clubs. But in a growing number of state legislatures around the country, […]
Inside the First Amendment: Character education and the First Amendment
Sanford N. McDonnell died on March 19 at age 89. Not surprisingly, newspaper obituaries are highlighting his many successful years at the helm of the McDonnell Douglas Corp. But I predict that when the history of our era is written, Sandy (as everyone called him) will be best remembered as America’s leading advocate for character […]
