Constitution vs. Religion

Former justice says God is the state

Kristina Josephs / contributing photographer Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore answers reporters' questions Friday. Moore spoke in the College Center to a crowd of 445 people, discussing religion's role in the government.

A sold-out crowd of 445 sponsors and ticket holders had dinner, and listened to the keynote address from a former judge Friday night in the College Center.

The second annual "Shenandoah Valley Salute to the Family" benefit was co-sponsored by the Valley Family Forum and the Family Foundation of Virginia. As the Foundation's logo states, both associations are "devoted to defending faith, family and freedom."

As the attendees approached the center, they were greeted by a group of protesters against the night's keynote speaker, Roy Moore, the former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, who's known for controversial rulings concerning religion and the Constitution.

Despite the animosity on the outside of the building, many people who gathered inside supported Moore.

"Judge Moore is a constitutional scholar," Joe Hevener said. "All of our moral laws are given through the Christian God, and I'm glad we have an ally in the judiciary."

Before Judge Moore was introduced, Rev. John Sloop opened dinner with a prayer.

Moore's speech began afterward and emphasized the recognition of God in public and private life, and standing up for God's involvement in politics and the Constitution.

Moore attacked the American Civil Liberties Union's viewpoints on religion in public places.

"The ACLU told us we can't pray in school, can't display religious symbols in public, can't acknowledge God," he said. "See, that's what the issue is all about."

Throughout his speech, Moore urged the audience to acknowledge God as the state.

"I must acknowledge God," he said. "It says so in the Constitution of Alabama. It says so in the First Amendment of the Constitution."

Moore incorporated the founding fathers in defending his position. He mentioned that James Madison and Thomas Jefferson spoke of inalienable rights given to Americans by our creator, implying divinity.
Penny Plemmons, a mother of former and current JMU students, agreed.

"He is the voice of our founding fathers," she said. "Judge Moore inspires me to stand firm in the values this country was founded on."

Mike Davis, representing the Thomas More Institute, compared Roy Moore with Sir Thomas More, who went against the higher political authority in the 16th century in defense of his religion.

The judge was given the Thomas More Award for his defiance in rulings by federal judges concerning the place for religion in our society.

"Roy Moore acknowledges God and the Constitution, and he's willing to face the consequences," Davis said.

Recognizing his highly controversial statements and beliefs, Moore said, "I've offended so many people, it doesn't matter anymore."