It seems some religions are more worthy of protection than others. The Apache Nation and 21 other tribes joined in a lawsuit to protect Oak Flat, a parcel of land sacred to the Apache creation story from being transferred to a Chinese copper mining company. It’s a bit like deciding that we can turn the Church of the Nativity into a giant shopping mall.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, who has upheld many Native American rights in his decisions – don’t forget, they were here first – wrote a reasoned and blistering dissent to the majority’s refusal to take the case up before the High Court.
Protecting the variety of practices fundamental to religious belief is what the First Amendment is all about. We can still act to help our brothers and sisters by calling on Congress to stop the obliteration of this important site. Apache faith and culture may be different than ours, but under the Constitution, still worthy of respect. Not quite like the difference between Christian and Jew or Hindu, but still, like us, all a search to find God.
Prayer for the Day
Searching for truths you would impart to us, O Holy One,
We place our minds and hearts before you this day;
Seeking to discern the meaning of your Word for our lives,
We come in humility and gratitude for all that you are.
Open us to understanding of the many paths that come to you,
So we may have acceptance of their many varieties
In the name of the One who opens us to your wisdom,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Faced with the government’s plan to destroy an ancient site of tribal worship, we owe the Apaches no less than a consideration of their legal arguments. They may live far from Washington, D.C., and their history and religious practices may be unfamiliar to many. But that should make no difference.
Neil Gorsuch in dissent when the Court refused to take the case
It is hard to imagine a more brazen attack on faith than blasting the birthplace of Apache religion into a gaping crater. The Court’s refusal to halt the destruction is a tragic departure from its strong record of defending religious freedom.
Lisa Goodrich, Counsel, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. I know now only in part; then I will know fully as I have been fully known.
Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians, 13: 12