. . . no religious test shall ever be required . . .

by Dick Mac

The third paragraph of Article VI of the United States Constitution includes the statement:

. . . no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

So I wonder how religion has become such a huge part of our elections?

I have never heard anyone ask: "If there is no religious test for election to public office, then why does the press test candidates about their religious beliefs?"

Is it a violation of a candidate's Constitutional rights to ask a candidate questions about her religious views during the employment process?

I know that when I apply for a job, the company is not allowed to ask my religion, and the interviewers are wise to avoid any questions about my religion because I could bring suit against them if I do not get the job.

In America, the press is very much part of the hiring process for our officials. Not just the elected officials, but also appointed officials who must appear before Congressional subcommittees for approval before date of hire.

Since the media plays such a massive role in our hiring process, isn't it logical that the media's coverage of a candidate's religion would be interfering with that person's right to hold a job in the United States?

I think it does.

I think that any member of any member of Congress, any employee of the government, and any member of the media who discusses the religion or religious views of a Congressional candidate might be violating that person's Constitutional rights.

If our Constitution guarantees that there is no religious test for employment, why is religion such an integral part of our employment process?


Here is Article VI in its entirety:

Article VI

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwith-standing.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

It's time for us to remove religion from our governmental discourse.

Again.

Just as the founding fathers did.