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Subject: Nomination of Judge Alito
Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2005 17:18:55 -0500 (EST)
From: North American Religious Liberty Association


Dear Friends of Freedom:

As all of you know, Judge Alito has been nominated to fill the place of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. We are currently examining his record in regard to religious liberty. I am writing to you to give you our initial review.

At the outset, it is worth noting that it is the policy of the North American Religious Liberty Association to oppose any religious tests for public office. This is for three reasons. First, there is no indication the religious affiliation of an American judge determines whether she/he is willing to protect religious freedom. Second, imposing a religious test for office is, in itself, a violation of religious freedom. Third, the teachings of Christ require that we don’t treat others in a way we ourselves would find objectionable.

Rather than adhering to a faulted religious test to determine who is suitable for the Supreme Court, we examine the record of the individual. The analysis we have done to date indicates that as a Judge Alito has a good record of upholding the free exercise of religion and his decisions on separation of church and state are unremarkable.

In FOP Newark Lodge No. 12 v. City of Newark, a 1999 case, Judge Alito drafted the majority opinion finding a the New Jersey Police Department was required to accommodate Muslims who wear beards. The case was carefully written to provide the Muslims in question the best protection available under the First Amendment. He followed a similar tact in a case involving a Native American who brought a religious liberty case. In both these cases, the care he took to protect religious minorities is commendable. In addition, Judge Alito's disposition towards Saturday Sabbath accommodation in the workplace is more favorable than we routinely receive in many courts in the land. Further, his decisions on separation of church and state (Establishment Clause), appear unremarkable and follow Supreme Court precedent.

Our analysis will mature as more documents become available. Should we locate any indication of hostility to the rights of religious minorities we will inform you. This is a very key moment in the history of the Supreme Court. There is a lot riding on this nomination. Please keep the process in your prayers as we contemplate the future of our nation. If you haven’t already, I want to invite you to become a member of the North American Religious Liberty Association and join us as we stand strong for the God given right to freedom of conscience. You can join at www.religiousliberty.info or by calling (301)680-6683.

Sincerely,

James Standish

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Originally posted by John H.:
I must conclude that you're never read Great Controversy, Darius, and aren't aware of the Adventist understanding of latter-day events.

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