Rev Terry Cummings will share thoughts on “Freedom of Religion” and its importance, Sunday June 28th at Blue Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Rice Lake. In 1777 Thomas Jefferson drafted what would become Virginia’s Statute on Religious Freedom; that Virginia law declared that Americans “shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of Religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.” Rev Cummings notes that Virginia law became the model for the anti-establishment clause of the Second Amendment.
As we Americans prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776, the voices of those who claim that America “is a Christian nation, in substance if not in name” have become louder. Cummings will reflect upon why freedom from religion is as important as freedom of religion.
All are welcome to share the morning as Rev. Terry explores the premise that religious freedom is greatest when church and state are separate. Blue Hills UU is an inclusive fellowship, where all are welcome at services each Sunday at 10 a.m. 230 W. Messenger St. in Rice Lake and also on Zoom – the link may be requested from bradljt@auburn.edu.