Catholics@Work Speaker Discusses Separation of Church and State -- Holding The Line

Danville, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2008 -- Holding the line that separates church and state is the topic to be discussed by Professor James F. Hitchcock PhD, author of landmark book, "The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life" at the Catholics@Work breakfast speaker series on February 12, 2008 to be held at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville, CA 94526. A full buffet breakfast is served starting at 7:00am (Mass is offered at 6:30am at the same location.) Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. To register visit http://www.catholicsatwork.org/EventDesc.aspx.

School vouchers, the Pledge of Allegiance, abortion rights, financial aid to religious teaching institutions and religious expression in public forums are but a few examples of the abundance of church and state concerns brought before the Supreme Court in recent years. These issues underscore an incontrovertible truth in the American legal system: the relationship between the state and religion in this country is still fluid and changing.

"The founding fathers intentionally built into our constitution a separation of church and state, however; it has been challenged in the last 60 years resulting in many instances where government exerts influence in the realm of religious beliefs," said Professor James F. Hitchcock. Hitchcock will relate relevant cases as early as 1789 about what the Supreme Court has said about church and state.

Daniel Dreisbach, professor of Public Affairs at American University commented on "The Supreme Court and Religion in American Life" and stated, "?The book compels a rethinking of prevailing legal doctrines and thus has the potential to have a significant impact on the continuing debate on the constitutional relationships between religion and American life."

"President Lyndon B. Johnson said, 'the separation of church and state is a source of strength, but the conscience of our nation does not call for separation between men of state and faith in the Supreme Being'," said Alison Yount, president of Catholics@Work. "Professor Hitchcock will help us to understand the current landscape of the church and state controversy."

Professor Hitchcock holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University and has an accomplished background in teaching Law and History at St. Louis University where he has served as the Acting chair, Department of History. He is a distinguished author writing numerous books and scholarly articles on topics addressing religion and law.

About Catholics@Work

Catholics@Work is committed to fostering fellowship and connectivity among Catholics facing the realities of life in today's workplace environment. The monthly breakfast gatherings are a unique opportunity for Catholics to:

?    grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith,

?    be encouraged to apply the principals of their faith in the everyday workplace,

?    and, to network with other Catholic business professionals.

The breakfast series is held at Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville, California, on the second Tuesday of the month nine times per year (February-June, September-December). The event starts with a buffet breakfast followed by a speaker or panel discussion and runs from 7:00-8:30am. The event offers a great way to network with people who look for purpose and leadership in their lives. There is time prior to the beginning of each speaker's presentation to interact with other attendees, to share faith, and business and personal information. Mass is offered at 6:30am for those who wish to attend before breakfast at the same location. Managed by Catholic business professionals, Catholics@Work breakfast events are open to all, regardless of faith or occupation, who want to explore the issues of actively living one's beliefs in the workplace.

For more information visit www.catholicsatwork.org or call +1 925-389-0704.

###