Politics of Church and State | WBUR and NPR - On Point with Tom Ashbrook

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Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 11:00 AM EDT

Politics of Church and State

For the past 26 years, Forrest Church has been senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church in New York. From the pulpit, he has looked out on a country embroiled in controversies. Abortion rights, gay marriage, faith-based initiatives, and stem cell research are just a few of the examples that are making headlines today. On the campaign trail, John Kerry’s Catholicism and George Bush’s born-again beliefs are scrutinized at least as much as their positions on the economy, healthcare, and war in Iraq.

According to Forrest Church, America has long been uneasy about the relationship between religion and politics. In his new book, “The Separation of Church and State” he argues that the founding fathers were clear on where to draw the line, and that it’s time to reopen the first chapter of American history.

Guests:

Forrest Church, senior minister All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City, author of the new book “The Separation of Church and State: Writings on a Fundamental Freedom by America’s Founders”

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