[American Ethical Union letterhead]

March 14, 1983

RESOLUTION ON
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
RE: PRESIDENT REAGAN'S REMARKS

The Executive Committee of the American Ethical Union in session on Monday, March 14, 1983 in New York City resolved unanimously to express its shock and dismay at the remarks of President Ronald Reagan before the Evangelical Congress in Miami on March 7, 1983, in which he identified the U.S.S.R. as the epitome of evil in the world, and then stated that, therefore, this country is compelled by scripture and the Lord Jesus Christ to oppose Russia with all military and political means.

This statement breaches the wall of separation between church and state and is completely at variance with the long standing constitutional position by which America is viewed as a secular government in a pluralistic society composed of many religious and non-religious groups whose members are free to express their various philosophies as they wish, unhindered by governmental religious injunctions of any kind.

Passed by the
Executive Committee of the
American Ethical Union
March 14, 1983

Source: AEU Executive Comittee Memo, March 14, 1983

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