Reflection of Religious Freedom

One of my favorite stories about Thomas Jefferson occurred in 1815 when he sold an estimated 6,500 books to the Library of Congress, which had been destroyed by the British during the War of 1812.

One of Jefferson's many volumes was used this week to swear-in a freshman member of Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the only Muslim member. Ellison took his individual ceremonial oath of office with one hand upon Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Quran.

Since his November victory, Ellison has created quite a stir for being himself. His desire to be sworn into office using the Quran was met with less than a sympathetic ear from certain conservative circles.

Columnist and radio talk-show host Dennis Prager, who was already openly critical of Ellison because of his chosen faith, suggested that Ellison's use of a Quran would "break a 200-year tradition," adding, "If you are incapable of taking an oath on (the Bible), don't serve in Congress."

In a letter sent last month to his constituents, Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., attacked Ellison, stating:
"The Muslim representative from Minnesota was elected by the voters of that district, and if American citizens don't wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration, there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office."

Goode also repeatedly justifies his attack as related to immigration policy: "We need to stop illegal immigration totally and reduce legal immigration and end the diversity visas policy pushed hard by President Clinton and allowing many persons from the Middle East to come to this country."

These attacks on Ellison only prove that it is much easier to proclaim that one is American than to authentically live out its meaning. Prager and Goode have opted for the often-traveled path that leads to the trivialization of our values, hiding under the pretentious cloak of false patriotism. How quickly they forget that the uniqueness of American values lies in the epic struggle to constantly reexamine the "we" in "We the People."

While one may dismiss Ellison's use of Thomas Jefferson's Quran as a cheap political ploy, its symbolic irony cannot be ignored. In 1777, Jefferson proposed a bill establishing religious freedom to the Virginia Legislature; it was passed by the general assembly in 1786.

This legislation, which many refer as "the precursor to the religion clauses of the First Amendment," states: "We, the General Assembly of Virginia, do enact that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."

Why must Ellison place his hand on the Bible in order to prove his allegiance to America? What is the larger message sent by such demands? Are we not suggesting that only those who believe like the dominant culture can pursue elective office?

Our history has been full of men and women who have placed their hand on the Bible, but failed to fulfill the oath of office. If Ellison, or any other member of Congress, is unwilling to solemnly swear that they will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that would indeed be cause for concern.

Instead of decrying Ellison's actions, we should be applauding them. We should also applaud the district that elected him -- for in that democratic exercise, they have moved us closer to what Jefferson envisioned.

Byron Williams is an Oakland pastor and syndicated columnist. E-mail him at byron@byronspeaks.com or leave a message at (510) 208-6417. Send a letter to the editor to soundoff@angnewspapers.com.