Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Adoption of “law of Christ” Amendment Considered Unlikely

May 20, 1954
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Informed Congressional sources today were of the opinion that little likelihood exists for adoption by Congress of the proposed Constitutional amendment recognizing Christianity as the official national religion of the United States.

Congressional hearings have been adjourned. There is no indication when or whether they are to be resumed. Before adjournment the Senate subcommittee under the chairmanship of Sen. William Langer, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, heard unscheduled testimony from David A. Brody, a Washington representative of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith.

Mr. Brody pointed out that prior testimony unfortunately took the form of a debate between Christians and Jews whereas actually many Christians share the opposition views of major Jewish organizations. He questioned the exploitation and abuse of the hearings by the so-called “Militant Christian Patriots” whose testimony sought to align Christians against Jews. The “Militant Christian Patriots, ” earlier in the hearings, appealed to religious prejudice by characterizing Jewish organizations as “anti-Christian. “

Mr. Brody told the subcommittee that it is preferable to have religion as an active influence in the hearts and minds of people rather than having it written into national Constitutional law.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement