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Letter to Editor
August 6, 1962
The Augusta Courier
Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia
What is this article about?
Charles J. Bloch, from Macon, criticizes a newspaper columnist's justification of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision banning the Regents' prayer in public schools, arguing it is not sectarian and favors no particular religion, while expressing concerns over eroding religious expression.
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Full Text
Charles Bloch
Raps Court Again
Macon — The column on the lefthand side of your front page, June 28, attempts to justify the decision of the United States Supreme Court which your columnist says bars "any sectarian prayer in the public schools."
The columnist, Mr. McGill, did not quote the Regents' prayer, which the Supreme Court nullified. I quote it:
"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessing upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country."
Your columnist says that that is a 'sectarian" prayer. What "sect" does it favor? To what "sect" should it be obnoxious?
Certainly, it is not repulsive to those of us who are accustomed to repeat the watchwords of our faith: Hear, O' Israel, the Lord, Our God, the Lord is One."
Certainly it is not repulsive to all of us who pray: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name."
Justice Black intimates that these 22 words, honoring God, country, parents and teachers place the power, prestige and support of our government "behind a particular religious belief." I should like the privilege of asking him: What particular belief is favored by these words?
All of us, Catholic, Protestant, and Jew humbly acknowledge our dependence upon Almighty God, so no sect is favored.
When I read this opinion, following the opinion of the same court in the Maryland case of a year ago, and recall the demands of the Communist Platform of 1928, I shudder for the future of our children and grandchildren who may not even be permitted to say "good-bye" to their teachers and schoolmates, because good-bye means: "God be with you."
CHARLES J. BLOCH.
Raps Court Again
Macon — The column on the lefthand side of your front page, June 28, attempts to justify the decision of the United States Supreme Court which your columnist says bars "any sectarian prayer in the public schools."
The columnist, Mr. McGill, did not quote the Regents' prayer, which the Supreme Court nullified. I quote it:
"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessing upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country."
Your columnist says that that is a 'sectarian" prayer. What "sect" does it favor? To what "sect" should it be obnoxious?
Certainly, it is not repulsive to those of us who are accustomed to repeat the watchwords of our faith: Hear, O' Israel, the Lord, Our God, the Lord is One."
Certainly it is not repulsive to all of us who pray: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name."
Justice Black intimates that these 22 words, honoring God, country, parents and teachers place the power, prestige and support of our government "behind a particular religious belief." I should like the privilege of asking him: What particular belief is favored by these words?
All of us, Catholic, Protestant, and Jew humbly acknowledge our dependence upon Almighty God, so no sect is favored.
When I read this opinion, following the opinion of the same court in the Maryland case of a year ago, and recall the demands of the Communist Platform of 1928, I shudder for the future of our children and grandchildren who may not even be permitted to say "good-bye" to their teachers and schoolmates, because good-bye means: "God be with you."
CHARLES J. BLOCH.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Religious
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Religion
Constitutional Rights
Politics
What keywords are associated?
School Prayer
Supreme Court
Regents Prayer
Sectarian Prayer
Religious Freedom
Justice Black
What entities or persons were involved?
Charles J. Bloch
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Charles J. Bloch
Main Argument
the regents' prayer is not sectarian as it favors no particular sect and is acceptable to catholics, protestants, and jews; the supreme court's decision threatens religious expression in public life, potentially leading to bans on even saying 'good-bye'.
Notable Details
Quotes Regents' Prayer
References Justice Black's Opinion
Mentions Maryland Case From A Year Ago
Cites Communist Platform Of 1928