Dangerous slope

Gov. Sam Brownback proclaimed Dec. 8 as "National Day of Restoration," exhorting all Kansans to "repent" and pray to a "Holy God."

This official proclamation by our sitting governor cannot go unchallenged as our great constitutional republic is built on the foundation that religion and government should be separate.

Some say that people who object to government displays of religious texts, symbols and proclamations need to get "thicker skin" -- that we shouldn't take "offense" so easily.

This has nothing to do with taking offense.

It's about a clear understanding of the fundamental dangers to our constitutional republic when religion and government are mixed.

When government is used to promote religion, both secular society and religion are endangered.

Our history is replete with examples of what happens when government and religion are not kept separate.

Our society is, and always has been, pluralistic, and our Founders made clear that respect for all religions -- and no religion -- would be the law of the land.

If our Founders could read Gov. Brownback's religious proclamation, I am certain they would hang their heads in shame. On behalf of the MainStream Coalition, we will fight to keep government and religion separate.

Micheline Burger, Olathe, president, MainStream Coalition