Should faith play a role in selecting Supreme Court justices?

Emotional maturity, integrity and religion play roles

The Rev. Peter Luckey, senior pastor, Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vt.:

Our Constitution provides for separation of religion and state. On the other hand, we recognize the role of faith in determining character.

For instance, Abraham Lincoln’s faith – his sureness in the sovereignty of God and fallibility of man – shaped a character of magnanimity and grace.

Supreme Court justices, like presidents, render decisions that affect the lives of millions. What they do or fail to do may shape society for years to come.

In selecting who is fit to hold these posts, questions of emotional maturity, integrity and ethics are of utmost importance. Insofar as faith is inseparably linked with these qualities, faith should play a role.

However, more important than the faith brand a person wears are the religious principles they hold.

In the case of Harriet Miers, the spotlight was on the former instead of the latter.

Former Whitewater prosecutor Kenneth Starr said on the radio show of James Dobson that Miers deserved support because she was a “very, very strong Christian who should be a source of great comfort … to people in households of faith around the country.”

Just because Miers is a Christian did not necessarily tell us anything about her religious principles or her character.

Many are wary of what is meant by “Christian” in regards to a high office. Statements like Kenneth Starr’s represent another whack at the crumbling wall between religion and state.

As Sen. Sam Ervin once said, “When religion controls government, political liberty dies; when government controls religion, religious liberty perishes.”

The greatest danger with a focus upon Harriet Miers’ brand of religion is that our nation’s attention will be deflected. And we will miss what is truly important: Her knowledge of and devotion to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.

– E-mail Peter Luckey at peterluckey@sunflower.com.

Many values necessary for position on ‘high court’

Rick Burwick, lead pastor, Clinton Parkway Assembly of God, 3200 Clinton Parkway:

When selecting a justice member of the Supreme Court, faith is only one quality which will make up the moral fiber of an individual chosen to fill this prestigious and strategic role. Qualities that would create a healthy environment for the citizens of the United States should include that their:

¢ Values are for the people of America, not just the president’s agenda or their political party. An effective justice won’t be remembered for their strategy, political affiliation or who nominated them; but if they serve and value people, by acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly in relationship with God governing their strategy and lifestyle.

¢ Character is not based upon what others see on the outside but what is on the inside. Character will reflect knowledge, “knowing what to do”; perspective, “knowing why we do it”; conviction, “what are we willing to die for” (this includes our faith, integrity, balance of justice and mercy, etc.); skills, “knowing how to do it”; and discipline, “being responsible in all areas.”

¢ Interpretation(s) and review of the Constitution upon appeals to the court should be determined upon the precepts and laws the founding fathers prescribed the Constitution to mean rather then lowering the bar of intent to pressures of conservative or liberal interpretive views that respect a few of the populace rather than the whole.

¢ Personal commitment to the vision and destiny of this great nation, enabling the justice of the Supreme Court to be the benefactor of wisdom and support of a people who would rise to the occasion in times of adverse circumstances.

If these qualities would be considered for the individual chosen to serve as justice on the Supreme Court, Americans would also learn to love justice and show mercy which their governing body shaped for a healthier environment.

– E-mail Rick Burwick at pastorrick@cpaog.com.