A Christian Nation

The Texas GOP has decided that, in addition to being a one-party democracy, the United States is a Christian nation. How very Boykin of them. That's very good to know. Line up for the Crusades please.

Anyway, this comes to us by way of mobius at Jewschool.

Just two weeks after adopting a hard line platform at its convention in San Antonio, the Texas Republican Party is under fire from Jewish groups.

The convention, which was dominated by religious conservatives, approved platform language that calls the United States a 'Christian Nation,' and calls the separation of church and state 'a myth.'

Linda Berger of Houston, a spokeswoman for the American Jewish Committee, says the language is 'hurtful' to non Christians.

"We are being looked to as an example of a nation where all people can live and be respected," she told 1200 WOAI news. "It's very important that both political parties reflect that."

Berger said America is currently at war against intolerance abroad, and it's important that political parties here not adopt language that is 'hurtful' to U.S. citizens.

Berger asked the Texas Republican Party to 'revise' its platform.

"All that we're trying to do as the American Jewish Committee is to make them realize that language like that leaves other groups out," she said.

The majority of Texas Jews consider themselves Republicans, and the GOP is also well represented among Buddhists and Muslims in Texas.

**Update**: Here's the link to the actual Texas GOP Platform (PDF format). The two sections appear on p. 8 of the PDF, and are reproduced below:

Christian Nation – The Republican Party of Texas affirms that the United States of America is a Christian nation, and the public acknowledgement of God is undeniable in our history. Our nation was founded on fundamental Judeo-Christian principles based on the Holy Bible. The Party affirms freedom of religion, and rejects efforts of courts and secular activists who seek to remove and deny such a rich heritage from our public lives.

Free Exercise of Religion – The Party believes all Americans have the right to practice their religious faith free from persecution, intimidation, and violence. While recognizing one’s freedom from religion, this recognition should not limit others’ free expression of their religious beliefs. Our Party pledges to exert its influence to restore the original intent of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and dispel the myth of the separation of Church and State. We support the right of individuals and state and local governments to display symbols of our faith and heritage. We call on Congress to sanction any country that is guilty of persecuting its citizens because of their religious beliefs.