September 13, 2005
The US Senate has begun confirmation hearings of Judge John G. Roberts to the US Supreme Court. Over the past month, The Interfaith Alliance has researched Mr. Roberts’s record and evaluated documents released from the National Archives. We have also aggressively advocated that Judge Roberts be thoroughly questioned on issues of religious freedom and liberty during comprehensive confirmation hearings held by our Senate. There is no issue more important than protecting the religious freedoms and liberties from which this country benefits greatly, and recent, narrowly decided Supreme Court cases show that John Roberts’ vote could tip the scales of justice on this critical issue.
Currently, The Interfaith Alliance is neither supporting nor opposing Judge Roberts’s nomination as we are waiting, with you, for key questions that should, and must be asked by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. BUT we do need your help to ensure that our nation’s core principle of religious liberty will be upheld and that the “religion card” does not get played. [NOTE: Contact TIA and urge them to oppose Roberts NOW!]
CALL YOUR US SENATORS:
SPEAK OUT ON THE APPROPRIATE ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE CONFIRMATIONS
Religion plays a vital role in our communities and religious values inform an appropriate patriotism and inspire political action. However, evaluations of judicial nominees solely on the basis of religion are wrong. The Senate should reject any nominee who would alter American democracy by allowing the government to turn sectarian values into public laws in violation of our shared national values.
US Senate Switchboard – 202-224-3121
Contact Your Senator Online
DEMAND THAT JUDGE ROBERTS ANSWER QUESTIONS ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ISSUES
While Senators should not ask Judge Roberts to identify his religious affiliation or personal religious, or nonreligious, beliefs, they should ask how or if his personal beliefs about religion will affect his decisions and rulings related to the Constitution. It is entirely appropriate for a Senator to ask questions such as these:
- “If there is a conflict between your religious or personal beliefs and your duty to defend the rights guaranteed by the Constitution will you follow your oath to place the Constitution above your personal beliefs?”
- “What is your judicial philosophy on the constitutional guarantee of the separation of religion and government and what are the parameters of that wall of separation?”
It is vitally important that the Senate take its time in the process of conducting its constitutional duty to review the nominee's record, qualifications, and judicial philosophy. Because Justice Sandra Day O'Connor resigned effective on the confirmation of her replacement, there is no reason to rush the process.
SUPREME COURT RESOURCES ONLINE
The Interfaith Alliance is providing several resources to make it easy for you to stay involved on this fast paced issue. Our Activist Tool Kit, The Appropriate Role of Religion and the Confirmation Process of John Roberts, provides the best ways that you can get involved through Congress or the media. You can find it on our TIA website .
Senate Judiciary State Contact Phone Numbers:
Washington, DC - US Senate Switchboard .................. 202-224-3121
Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chair ......................... 215-597-7200
Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Ranking Member ........ 800-642-3193
Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) ........................ 302-573-6345
Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) .............................. 785-233-2503
Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) .................................. 405-231-4941
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) .................................. 972-239-1310
Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) ................................. 614-469-5186
Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) ............................. 312-353-4952
Senator Russell D. Feingold (D-WI) ........................... 414-276-7282
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) .............................. 415-393-0707
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) ............................... 803-933-0112
Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) ............................ 515-288-1145
Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) ................................ 801-524-4380
Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) ......................... 617-565-3170
Senator Herbert Kohl (D-WI) ................................... 800-247-5645
Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) ......................................... 602-840-1891
Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) ................................... 334-244-7017
Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) ........................... 212-486-4430
www.interfaithalliance.org
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