On September 14, 2005, in Newdow v. U.S. Congress, a federal district court in California struck down the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Becket Fund is now leading the charge in appealing that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
If California atheist Michael Newdow -- the driving force behind this suit -- ultimately wins, even students who want to say "under God" as part the Pledge will be prohibited from doing so. Ever since the decision, many friends, old and new, have contacted us to ask what they can do to help us in this fight. Here's a short list:
Tell your friends and family about what's at stake — this case is not about the right to opt out of the Pledge if conscience dictates (students have had that right since the 1940s), but instead whether students will remain free to say "under God" as part of the Pledge if they want to.
And let them know about the unique role that The Becket Fund and its clients play in the lawsuit. The Becket Fund is the only public interest law firm that represents actual parties in the case: 10 public school students and their parents (who want to keep saying the full Pledge) and the Knights of Columbus (the fraternal organization that lead the effort to add "under God" to the Pledge back in 1954). And because we represent actual parties, we can control the litigation strategy, and if the case goes to the Supreme Court, we get to argue it.
There are many ways to get the word out. Call a talk radio show. Write a letter to the editor. Or just forward this information directly using the "Send to a Friend" link at the bottom of the page.
Without exaggeration, The Becket Fund has assembled the very best team of religious freedom lawyers around. Keeping them and their families fed — and flying them back and forth to California for the hearings in this case — is very expensive. We need your financial help to get this important job done. Please click here to make a donation.
We'd defend your freedom not to, but if your conscience allows, please pray for a win in this case!
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