tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80167138113433885012024-03-08T16:55:31.656-08:00Sacramento Chapter of Americans UnitedAmericans United For Separation of Church and State (AU) is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, AU works in the courts, in Congress and the state legislatures, at the White House and in the arena of public opinion.AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-70820738533286320782015-01-04T21:13:00.002-08:002015-01-06T20:32:32.941-08:00AU Program: "Hobby Lobby and its Aftermath" — Jan. 15, 2015 at 7 PMPlease join us January 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM to hear Gregory Lipper, Senior Litigation Counsel at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, discuss “Hobby Lobby and its Aftermath.” The program will be held at the Reason Center, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//1824+Tribute+Rd,+Sacramento,+CA+95815/@38.5995799,-121.4435124,17z/data=!4m13!1m4!3m3!1s0x809ada00258fba4d:0xdac2e6e59f732a24!2s1824+Tribute+Rd!3b1!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x809ada00258fba4d:0xdac2e6e59f732a24!2m2!1d-121.4435124!2d38.5995799" target="_blank">1824 Tribute Road, Suite A, Sacramento 95815</a>.
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In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, the Supreme Court ruled that a for-profit corporation can exclude contraception from its health insurance plans, based on the religious views of the corporation's owners. The basis for this 5-4 decision was not the First Amendment, but rather the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a statute passed in 1993. Never before had the Supreme Court allowed this type of exemption when it would deprive third parties of rights and benefits. And the Religious Right has already seized on Hobby Lobby to push for exemptions from antidiscrimination laws, including laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
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Greg will discuss the circumstances that led to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, how the Hobby Lobby decision has made it easier for the Religious Right to impose their religious beliefs on others, and how the decision may affect other laws—including civil rights protections for gays and lesbians.
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A bit about Mr. Lipper: Greg received his J.D. magna cum laude, in 2003 from Harvard Law School. He litigates church/state cases at trial and on appeal, and was named a 2013 “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers. Most significantly for this program, he authored the amicus brief for Americans United and 30 faith groups, defending employees’ access to affordable contraception in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores. He was also part of the team that represented the Respondents in Town of Greece v. Galloway, the first Supreme Court case in over a decade to consider the limits on government-sponsored prayer.
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<b>This program is free and open to the public.</b>
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Re directions: be especially careful to stay on Tribute Road after the last turn and take the driveway to the left off the quasi cul-de-sac.AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-40749065861470418852013-09-19T20:53:00.000-07:002013-10-16T08:58:44.872-07:00<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Sacramento Chapter of Americans United</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
hosts a FREE SCREENING of</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
God Loves Uganda</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
November 6, 2013, 7 pm<br /><br />
Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento
</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Guest Speakers and Discussion Leaders<br />
The Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker, Dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral<br />
Elizabeth Sholes, Dir. of Special Projects, California Church IMPACT<br />
Rev. Deacon Steve Skiffington, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://ausac-godlovesuganda.eventbrite.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat]</span></a></b></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_x3PTLQRQbA" width="450"></iframe><br />
<u>About the film</u><br />
God Loves Uganda follows Evangelical leaders in America and Uganda, as well as politicians and missionaries, as they attempt the radical task of eliminating “sexual sin” and converting Ugandans to fundamentalist Christianity. Interviews and hidden camera footage give unprecedented access into the rising influence of the evangelical movement in Uganda and the dangerous repercussions of intolerance.<br />
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The film is a powerful exploration of a campaign to change African culture with values imported from America’s Christian Right. The notorious Ugandan 'Kill the Gays' bill, largely American influenced, seeks to harshen the punishment and criminalization of homosexuality.<br />
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Shocking, horrifying, touching and enlightening, God Loves Uganda will make you question what you thought you knew about religion.<br />
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<u>About this event</u><br />
Our guest speakers will address the audience and lead an inter-active discussion following the film.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">RSVPs are required to insure a seat. Doors open at 6:00 PM. All unclaimed seats will be released at 6:45 PM</span> and allocated on a first-come, first-seated basis. If you RSVP and are unable to attend, please release your 'ticket.'<br />
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On-street parking is free after 6:00 PM; $5 flat fee for parking in the lot at 2nd and N Streets. More information at: <a href="http://crockerartmuseum.org/visit/parking-directions">crockerartmuseum.org/visit/parking-directions</a><br />
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<u>Questions and Comments</u><br />
<a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Email Carol</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://ausac-godlovesuganda.eventbrite.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat]</span></a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-53385523502292640442013-05-05T23:31:00.000-07:002013-05-05T23:42:46.770-07:005/13/13 meeting will include remembrances of Susan MogullOur next meeting is Monday, May 13, 2013 at 7 pm.<br />
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The agenda will include time for remembrances of Susan Mogull. Susan was the Founder and past President of the Sacramento Chapter of Americans United.<br />
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The location is currently planned to be at the SMUD Customer Service Center
(6301 S St, Sacramento). We'll send an email update if we move to a larger venue. AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-29817731479871020832013-01-24T11:18:00.002-08:002013-01-24T11:25:56.449-08:00February Chapter MeetingMonday, February 11, 2013,
7 pm<br />
SMUD Customer Service Center<br />
6301 S St, Sacramento
Room<br />
Timberline # 1 (Third Floor)<br />
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Please join us to get updates and learn how you can get involved to help with local separation of church and state issues. Agenda to be determined.<br />
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Questions or items for the agenda?<br />
Contact President Carol Velarde
916-684-4730 or <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org?subject=website%20inquiry">email</a>
AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-26723663886972945442012-11-17T21:34:00.001-08:002012-11-17T21:34:32.036-08:00December Chapter MeetingMonday, December 3, 2012, 7:00 PM<br />
SMUD Headquarters <i>Conference Center</i> (HCC requires sign-in)<br />
6201 S Street, Sacramento, CA<br />
<br />
Please join us and help plan for the following activities:<br />
* Community Outreach<br />
* Communicating with Elected Officials<br />
* Development of Speakers Bureau<br />
* Monitoring Religious Activity in Public Schools.<br />
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Free parking is available in the half-circle in front of the HCC, on ‘S’ Street, and in the parking lot across from 6301 S Street.<br />
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If you have questions, comments or items for the agenda, please contact:
Carol Velarde, President, 916.684.4730 or <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">email</a>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-22308768431050985442012-06-24T17:57:00.000-07:002012-06-24T18:26:57.680-07:00The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children<div 0.7em;="" 0px;"="" 14px;="" 18px;="" font-family:="" font-size:="" geneva,="" line-height:="" margin-bottom:="" padding:="" sans-serif;="" verdana,="">
<a href="http://www.thegoodnewsclub.com/about" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><img height="142" src="http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/c/6/6/event_127395462.jpeg" style="border: 0px; float: right; line-height: 0; margin: 5px; max-height: 700px; max-width: 700px; padding: 0px;" width="107" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Come hear <a href="http://www.thegoodnewsclub.com/about" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration: underline;">Katherine Stewart</span></a> speak about the well-funded, highly coordinated effort by Christian Nationalists to use public schools to advance a fundamentalist agenda.</span><br />
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This is happening nationwide: at the end of 2010 there were over 3,500 Good News Clubs, and the number is rapidly increasing.<br />
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The movement is coordinated and given strategic direction by extremely well financed groups whose leaders write the scripts that are followed in classrooms, playgrounds, and courtrooms. Some of the most powerful forces in public education today are groups that most people may never have heard of...</div>
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<a href="http://thegoodnewsclub.com/book" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><img height="200" src="http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/b/3/0/event_127395152.jpeg" style="border: 0px; float: left; line-height: 0; margin: 5px; max-height: 700px; max-width: 700px; padding: 0px;" width="132" /><br /><br />Click here</a> to find out more about her book, <a href="http://www.thegoodnewsclub.com/book" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">The Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on America’s Children</a>.</div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">“Even those well-versed in the religious right’s attempt to Christianize American institutions will likely be shocked by The Good News Club. Katherine Stewart’s book about the fundamentalist assault on public education is <strong style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">lucid</strong>, <strong style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">alarming</strong>, and <strong style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">very important</strong>.” -MICHELLE GOLDBERG</span></em></div>
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</ul>
<b><u>When</u></b>: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 7 pm<br />
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<b><u>Where</u></b>: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=24th+Street+and+4th+Avenue%2C+Sacramento%2C+CA" target="_blank">Sierra 2 Community Center</a>, 24th St and 4th Ave, Sacramento CA (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=24th+Street+and+4th+Avenue%2C+Sacramento%2C+CA" target="_blank">map</a>)<br />
(We're in Curtis Hall, which is the southern most building.)<br />
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<b><u>Cost</u></b>: No charge for admission. Donations welcome.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This event is Sponsored by:</span> <span style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://au-sac.org/" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Sacramento Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU Sac)</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Thank you to our Co-sponsors:<a href="http://www.aclusac.org/" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.aclusac.org/" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">ACLU of Sacramento County</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.acslaw.org/chapters/ca/sacramento-lawyer-chapter/recent-events" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">American Constitution Society (ACS) Sacramento Chapter</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.aofonline.org/" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Atheists and Other Freethinkers (AOF)</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.calchurches.org/" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">California Council of Churches IMPACT</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://hagsa.org/" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Humanist Association of the Greater Sacramento Area (HAGSA)</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.jewishsac.org/page.aspx?id=178171" style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="cursor: pointer;">Jewish Community Relations Council </span></span><span style="color: #002a4c; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit;">of the Sacramento Region</span></a></span></li>
</ul>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-7654320357428394352012-05-13T05:43:00.002-07:002012-05-13T05:48:06.913-07:00Meeting tomorrow, 5/14 @ 7 pm<br />
We are meeting tomorrow, Monday, May 14, at 7 PM, at the SMUD <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Customer Service Center</span> (6301 S St). The sign-in sheet will specify what room.<br />
<br />
The agenda called for the election of officers at our May meeting but considering the uncertainty of if and when we would meet, I am open to rescheduling the election if anyone would prefer to do so. Who knows?<br />
<br />
Rachael will lead a discussion of which candidates we want to meet with, who wants to participate, what our message will be, making arrangements for the time and place, etc.<br />
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Carol will give an update on our program with Katherine Stewart, and additions to the agenda will be welcome.<br />
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Please <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">email</a> or call if you have any comments or questions. And please invite your friends!AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-39357830751499455302012-05-07T13:05:00.002-07:002012-05-07T13:06:30.542-07:00May 2012 meetingOur May 2012 meeting has been tentatively postponed until May 14. Please stay tuned, as we are waiting on approval of the room reservation.<br />
<br />
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our
agenda will include:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">election of officers*</span></li>
<li><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">planning visits with
candidates for various offices</span></li>
<li><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">coordinating our July program with
Katherine Stewart, author of <a href="http://thegoodnewsclub.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Good News Club</i></a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Questions or items for the agenda? </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Carol Velarde, President</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="ecxApple-style-span">916-684-4730 or </span><a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">email</a></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div>
</div>
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<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* Reminder that you are invited to be considered for office so if you are interested, please let me know. </span></div>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-877334095705560952012-01-29T19:28:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:37:17.368-08:00Join us Monday, February 6, 2012<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Monday, February 6, 2012 - 7 PM</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">SMUD <i><u>Customer Service Center</u></i> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(NOT the Headquarters Conference Center)</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">6301 S St, Sacramento CA </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Please join us and take part in discussions about:</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*<span class="ecxApple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The
2012 Elections. Do we know at what point the promotion of religion and
personal religious beliefs by the candidates, the media and many houses
of worship crosses the line and makes a mockery of the First
Amendment's Religion Clauses? Do we care? Can we do something about it
with any or all of these entities? </span></div>
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*<span class="ecxApple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Election and possible expansion of chapter officers in May: please consider taking on an active role.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*<span class="ecxApple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Religion
in Public Schools: More chilling than you might suspect and we have an
opportunity to hear from someone who has been investigating this for
several years. Details at the meeting about a potential program on this
topic. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*<span class="ecxApple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Additional items welcome.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The
sign-in sheet will note which room we're meeting in. Free parking
is available in the lot
across the street.</span></span><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div>
</div>
</span><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Questions or items for the agenda? </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Carol Velarde, President</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span">916-684-4730 or </span><a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">email</a></span> </div>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-12462645293458860642012-01-16T21:44:00.000-08:002012-01-16T21:45:09.425-08:002012 meetingsAnnouncing our 2012 meeting dates:<br />
February 6<br />
May 7<br />
October 1<br />
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We hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you have any suggestions for a speaker or other event please <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">email us</a>. Stay update-to-date with national AU Press Releases on the right column
of this page. Or, better yet, go to <a href="http://au.org/" target="blank">au.org</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> Church
& State</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">to sign up for Email Alerts or to
become a member and receive their magazine.</span>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-10555237708050173972011-09-06T19:26:00.000-07:002011-09-06T19:34:21.315-07:00Help Wanted at our meeting 9/12/11Concerned about the threat to the Establishment Clause posed by candidates seeking election in 2012? Want to help craft a plan of action to address this locally? Then please bring your ideas, energy, curiosity, and brilliance to share with kindred spirits!<br />
<br />
<b>Monday, September 12, 2011 — 7:00 PM</b><br />
SMUD <i>Customer Service Building</i> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(NOT the Headquarters Conference Center)</span><br />
6301 ‘S’ St, Timberline #3,
Sacramento, CA
AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-68761417031736173992011-07-29T16:17:00.000-07:002011-07-29T16:28:34.676-07:00Recent victoriesDid you hear the news?<br /><br />Earlier today a federal appellate court struck down a North Carolina county’s policy of opening board meetings with sectarian prayers. (They were represented by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the ACLU of North Carolina.)<br /><br /><a target="blank" href="http://www.au.org/media/press-releases/archives/2011/07/au-hails-federal-appellate.html">Read the rest of the AU press release</a><br /><br />Also...<br /><br />Last Friday, "the State Board of Education voted unanimously to approve sound-science materials for public school biology courses."<br /><br /><a target="blank" href="http://blog.au.org/2011/07/25/triumph-in-texas-state-school-board-approves-sound-science-materials/">Read the rest of the AU blog</a>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-25694678581049823142011-04-07T16:33:00.001-07:002011-07-29T16:30:00.930-07:00We're still hereStay update-to-date with national AU Press Releases on the right column of this page. Or, better yet, go to <a target="blank" href="http://au.org/">au.org</a> to sign up for Email Alerts or to become a member and receive their <span style="font-style:italic;">Church & State</span> magazine.<br /><br /><br />P.S. Our meeting that was scheduled for May 9th has been canceled. If you have any suggestions for a speaker or other event please <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">email us</a>.AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-58756643231446692622010-04-01T16:25:00.000-07:002011-04-07T16:25:42.679-07:00April 15, 2010 event: Reconciling Conflicting Autonomy Rights: Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty<span style="font-weight: bold;">Reconciling Conflicting Autonomy Rights:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alan Brownstein, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law</span><br /><br />Thursday, April 15, 2010 — 7:15 PM<br />SMUD Headquarters, 6201 S Street, Sacramento<br /><br />Arguments about the need to accommodate religious objections to public<br />policy mandates have been debated throughout American history.<br />Religious individuals and institutions have sought exemptions from<br />prohibitions against polygamy, civil rights regulations prohibiting<br />discrimination on the basis of race, religion and gender in hiring and<br />places of public accommodation, hospital policies requiring health care<br />providers to perform abortions and sterilization's and a host of other<br />regulatory requirements. That history provides a range of possible<br />models that may be used to understand claims about the need to<br />accommodate religious objectors opposed to same-sex marriages. In his<br />talk, Professor Brownstein will critically evaluate alternative frameworks<br />for thinking about the current debate and describe what he believes to<br />be the most appropriate analytic model for resolving these issues.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sponsored by Americans United for Separation of Church & State and cosponsors:<br />• American Civil Liberties Union, Sacramento County Chapter • Atheists & Other Freethinkers (AOF) • California Council of Churches • California Church IMPACT • California Faith for Equality, Sacramento Region • Humanist Association of the Greater Sacramento Area • Jewish Community Relations Council, Sacramento Region • Lodi United • Sacramento Lawyers Chapter of the American Constitution Society • Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry-CA •</span>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-29400608623536996682009-10-25T15:16:00.000-07:002009-10-25T15:19:47.748-07:00You won't want to miss our Americans United program Mon., Nov. 2, 7 PM<p><span>Dear Members and Friends of Americans United for Separation of Church and State:</span></p><span><p><br />Please join us for our next program...</p><p><br />Guest Speaker: Leigh Johnsen, Ph.D.</p><p><br />"Religion, the American Revolution, and the Founding Generation"</p><p><br />Monday, November 2, 7:00 PMSMUD Headquarters Conference Center, 6201 S Street, Sacramento</p><p>Q&A following presentation</p><p><br />How often do we hear that America is a Christian nation, that the political system of the United States was founded on Christian principles and that its legal structure today should reflect those origins? This presentation questions that popular assumption. It examines evidence from the colonial and revolutionary years with the goal of understanding better the intentions of the founding generation.</p><p><br />Leigh Johnsen holds a doctorate in early American history from the University of California, Riverside. His dissertation focuses on the interaction between religion and society during the American Revolution. In 2003, he published the personal papers of Isaac Backus, a dissenting clergyman from the Revolutionary era often compared to Thomas Jefferson because of his importance for church-state relations in early America. Johnsen is currently the archivist/librarian of the San Joaquin County Historical Society.</p><p><br />Please invite your friends. Contact me if you have any questions.</p><p><br />Carol Velarde</p><p>President, Sacramento Chapter</p><p>Americans United...</p><p>(916) 684-4730</p><p><a href="mailto:Cavelarde@aol.com">Cavelarde@aol.com</a></span></p>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-83387577850389028512009-01-19T18:01:00.000-08:002009-01-19T18:08:36.512-08:00Jan 29, 2009 Event: Susan Mogull Presents "Is the Separation of Church and State Relevant Today?"The Sacramento Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State invites you to hear Guest Speaker Susan Mogull present "Is the Separation of Church and State Relevant Today?"<br /><br />The event will occur Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 7:00 PM, at the SMUD Building at 6201 'S' Street, in the Headquarters Conference Center (HCC).<br /><br />Why Are Americans United for Separation of Church and State? Some claim it's a myth. Others point out it is America's first First Freedom in the First Amendment. Susan Mogull, past president of the Sacramento Chapter of Americans United will address this question and more.<br /><br />Audience participation welcomed. Doors open at 6:50 PM.<br /><br />Directions: heading East on 50, exit at 59, cross over freeway and feed directly into 'S' Street. Heading West on 50, exit at 65, cross 65th Street into 'S' Street. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=6201+S+St,+Sacramento,+Sacramento,+California+95817&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.188995,57.65625&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FUhCTAIdQRfD-A&split=0&ll=38.563469,-121.440125&spn=0.080535,0.136986&z=13&iwloc=r4">Google Map</a>.<br /><br />Questions? Call or e-mail <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Cavelarde@aol.com">Cavelarde@aol.com</a> — 916.684.4730AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-39918474225462117292008-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:002009-01-19T17:11:45.211-08:00September 2008 Meeting NoticeThe Sacramento Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will meet <strong>Monday, Sep 8, at 7:00 p.m.</strong> at the <strong>SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, 95819</strong>. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">president@au-sac.org</a> or call 916-684-4730. We welcome your participation. For more information please contact <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">president@au-sac.org</a>.AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-11194447214595413652008-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:002009-01-19T17:11:34.023-08:00May 2008 Election Meeting NoticeThe Sacramento Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will meet Monday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, 95819. We will elect officers and discuss program plans. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to president@au-sac.org or call 916-687-0386. We welcome your participation. For more information please contact president@au-sac.org.AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-52568103841769802102008-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:002009-01-19T17:12:25.102-08:00Coercive Evangelizing in the U.S. Military<p> Presented by Michael L. "Mikey" Weinstein, noted Constitutional Activist, founder and President, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Honor Graduate, United States Air Force Academy, Attorney and former Active Duty Air Force Judge Advocate (JAG), frequent guest of radio and TV news outlets.</p><p> Sunday, April 6, 2008</p><p> 2:00-4:00 PM</p><p> California State Capitol, Room 4203</p><p> Reception and book signing to follow</p><p> Weinstein's book "With God On Our Side," exposes the systemic problem of religious intolerance permeating America's Armed Forces. He established MRFF to ensure that all members of the U.S. armed forces fully receive the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom to which they and all Americans are entitled by virtue of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. </p><p> Link to flyer: <a href="http://au-sac.org/au-weinstein-program-2008.pdf">http://au-sac.org/au-weinstein-program-2008.pdf</a> </p>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-51147515472568713552008-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:002009-01-19T17:13:09.184-08:00AU Sacramento Hosts Local Showing of First Freedom First National SimulcastTo Members and Friends of Americans United for Separation of Church and State:<p> First Freedom First.org, a joint project of Americans United and the Interfaith Alliance, will simulcast a film at theaters throughout the country on Wednesday, March 26th at 6:00 PM. The 90 minute movie is hosted by Peter Coyote and features actors, musicians and comedians, as well as community members who have been part of important court decisions regarding separation of church and state. This is a free event. A flyer with more details is attached in Word and PDF. You can rsvp to reserve your seat at: <a href="http://www.firstfreedomfirst.org/">www.firstfreedomfirst.org</a></p><p> This film is a must-see for those who support the Constitution and Bill of Rights. You will leave equipped with questions to ask every candidate running for elective office in November, the idea being that they will get the message that millions of Americans are concerned about upholding the freedoms guaranteed by these documents. Here are the details:</p><p> "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Separation of Church and State</p><p> ...But Were Afraid to Ask" Natomas Marketplace Stadium 16</p><p> 3651 Truxel Road</p><p> Sacramento, CA 95834</p><p> Wednesday, March 26, 2008</p><p> 6:00 PM</p><p> If you have any questions, please e-mail or call me. RSVP at: <a href="http://www.firstfreedomfirst.org/">http://www.firstfreedomfirst.org</a> . We look forward to seeing you on March 26th.</p>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-53859415508280333672004-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:002009-01-19T17:35:12.299-08:00May 2004 MeetingThe Sacramento Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will meet <strong>Monday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m.</strong> at the <strong>SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, 95819</strong>, in Forestview Room # 2, first floor. Join us at our Annual Meeting to plan events and activities for the coming year. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">president@au-sac.org</a>. We welcome your participation. For more information please contact <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">president@au-sac.org</a>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-83424298402914109952004-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T17:36:45.406-08:002004 Liberty of Conscience Series at Woodside SDA ChurchYou are invited to attend a series on liberty of conscience at the <b>Woodside SDA Church in Sacramento. Address: 3300 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821</b> <br /><br /> <table border="1"> <tbody><tr> <td><b>February 28, 4pm</b></td> <td>Speaker: Leigh Johnsen, PhD</td> <td>Topic: Early American Origins of Church-State Separation</td> <td>In contrast what many voices at present claim, longstanding and well-known historical evidence from the colonial and revolutionary periods of American history indicate that the roots of church-state separation are deep and enduring in American culture and history.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>March 6, 4pm</b></td> <td>Speaker: Dr. Alan Brownstein</td> <td>Topic: Church-State Constitutional Issues </td> <td>Dr. Brownstein, Professor of Law, UC Davis, is a renowned Constitutional Professor of Law. He has given expert testimony before Legislatures and Courts in church-state issues. Most recently he testified on behalf of KASK, 91.5 FM, a Vacaville SDA radio station, which has been denied a building permit. Dr. Brownstein will discuss current constitutional church-state issues. </td> </tr> <tr> <td><b>March 13, 4pm</b></td> <td>Speaker: Dr. Brad Newton</td> <td>Topic: Church-State Issues at the Legislature</td> <td>Dr. Newton is the liaison between the SDA Church and the California Legislature. He will present current bills before the Legislature which impact church and state. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-67027811273431636862004-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T17:37:53.803-08:00January 2004 Meeting NoticeThe Sacramento Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will meet <strong>Monday, January 12, at 7:00 p.m.</strong> at the <strong>SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, 95819</strong>. This is a chapter planning meeting. We welcome your participation. For more information please contact <a href="mailto:president@au-sac.org">president@au-sac.org</a>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-22713044431461789012003-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T17:39:18.657-08:002003 Religious Outreach Committee 4-Week Series at St. Mark's United Methodist ChurchAU Sacramento's Religious Outreach Committee has arranged a <b>4-week series</b> to discuss the history, issues, and interpretations of the principle of separation of church and state at <b>St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 2391 Saint Marks Way, Sacramento</b>. The second session is <b>Sunday, November 9, 9:30-10:45 a.m.</b> and features <b>Dr. Leigh Johnsen</b>, scholar of religious studies, will speak on the early American origins of church-state separation.<br /><br />Future sessions will be held Sunday mornings in November and feature:<br /><ul><li>November 9: <b>Dr. Leigh Johnsen</b>, scholar of religious studies, will speak on <b>Isaac Backus</b> and religious liberty in the 19th Century</li><br /><li>November 16: <b>Alan Brownstein</b>, Professor of Constitutional Law at University of California, Davis, will discuss the major <b>church-state issues of the 20th Century</b></li><br /><li>November 23: <b>Carol Venarde</b>, Americans United's California Legislative Liaison, will discuss <b>faith-based initiatives and programs, executive orders and other recent developments</b>.</li></ul>AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8016713811343388501.post-81713888324700637512003-09-16T00:00:00.000-07:002009-01-19T17:40:22.431-08:00Sacramento AU Presents Sep 16, 2003 Event: "School Prayer -- Court Decisions from the 1963 Schempp Case to Today."<div align="center"><strong>"School Prayer -- Court Decisions from the 1963 Schempp Case to Today."</strong><br /><br />Tuesday, September 16, 4:00-6:00 p.m.<br />Lecture Hall, McGeorge School of Law<br />3200 5th Avenue, Sacramento, 95817<br /><br /><strong>FREE PUBLIC PROGRAM</strong><br /><br /><strong>SPONSORS<br />Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Sacramento Chapter<br />American Constitution Society, McGeorge School of Law</strong><br /></div><br />Speakers trace the history of related court rulings from the 1963 Supreme Court decision to the present.<br /><br /><strong>Ellery Schempp</strong>, in 1956 a 16-year-old high school student, wondered why his school had prayer and devotional Bible reading every day in violation of the U.S. Constitution. He asked the question and made history.<br /><strong>Alan Brownstein</strong>, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of California, Davis School of Law, will trace subsequent cases related to the Schempp decision.<br /><strong>Christian M. Keiner</strong>, managing partner of the Sacramento office of Girard and Vinson, who won the precedent-setting Cole v. Oroville Union High School District case forbidding proselytizing graduation speech, will give a local focus.<br /><br /><br />Directions to Lecture Hall, McGeorge School of Law:<br /><br /><strong>From Highway 99</strong>: When coming from either the south or the north, exit Hwy 99 at 12th Avenue. If you were driving south on Hwy 99, turn right (west) on 12th Ave. If you were driving north on Hwy 99, turn left (west) on 12th Ave. Drive west one block on 12th Ave. to Franklin Blvd. Turn right (north) on Franklin Blvd. and go about one mile to 5th Ave. Turn right (east) on 5th Ave. and go about two blocks to campus.<br /><strong>Lecture Hall</strong>: The lecture hall is on the left side of 5th Ave. across from the main entrance of the campus. Park on the street or in unreserved spaces in campus lots. You can also obtain a parking permit from the Admissions Office.<br /><strong>From Interstate 5</strong>: Take Business 80 east, and then take the Hwy 99 South exit. Exit Hwy 99 at the first exit, 12th Ave. (See directions from Hwy 99 South above.) <strong>From Interstate 80</strong>: At the intersection of Interstate 80 and Business 80, take Business 80 east, then take the Hwy 99 South exit. Exit Hwy 99 at the first exit, 12th Ave. (See directions from Hwy 99 South above.)<br /><strong>From Highway 50</strong>: Take the Hwy 99 South exit. Exit Hwy 99 at the first exit, 12th Ave. (See directions from Hwy 99 South above.)AU Sacramento Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03807192194298484105noreply@blogger.com0