Supreme Court Ruling in Bladensburg Cross Case Erodes Church-State Separation

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is disappointed, though not surprised, by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the Bladensburg Cross case. The Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution calls on our government to refrain from privileging one religion over another, yet allowing the use of public funds to maintain what is clearly a Christian symbol, violates that mandate. The Court's decision continues the erosion of the principle of separation of church and state, a disturbing trend that can result in the marginalizing of faiths other than the dominant religion preferred by the state. As a minority faith in this country, Unitarian Universalism is sensitive to the harm that could possibly result when some faiths—or non-belief—are seen as un-American. We all must remain vigilant to protect the rights of all believers and non-believers.