Church and State

In three controversial decisions this year, the Supreme Court reignited a long-running debate: How should the First Amendment's clauses on religion be interpreted? Critics say the court's rulings in favor of religious legal claims have significantly eroded the separation between church and state. Supporters of the decisions say they simply recognize the right to religious free expression that is also guaranteed by the First Amendment. The rulings have encouraged some activists to push for a greater religious presence in public schools. The dispute over the role of religion in public life was also stoked by earlier court rulings allowing businesses to deny some services and opt out of government health care mandates based on an owner's religious beliefs. Some conservatives are going further, saying the United States should officially be declared a Christian nation and should reflect Christian principles. These calls come at a time when public polling shows Americans are less religious than ever.