Editorial
Dec. 16, 2011 By Pastor Jon Storck of the Grace Fellowship Church in Sunnyside
I am writing regarding the recent Court actions which effectively bar synagogues, mosques, and other “houses of worship” from being allowed to rent space from NYC public schools for the purpose of “worship.”
I am the Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church, a Christian congregation that has been renting space at PS 150 for 6 years. In addition to our “worship services,” we also rent space at PS 150 for a camp for 100 children and movie nights for 200 people during the summer. We also volunteer for, and financially contribute to, various school programs from which we don’t directly benefit.
In its ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit did in fact reaffirm that “prayer, religious instruction, expression of devotion to God, and the singing of hymns,” are all allowable activities for religious groups to engage in while renting public schools.
However, what has been denied is for religious groups to hold a “worship service” in which these activities occur. The Court noted that “the Supreme Court has warned that violation of the ‘Establishment Clause’ can result from [merely the] perception of endorsement.” Though that risk does not exist merely by the presence of religious activities in a school, it might if they were performed during a “worship service.”
This is problematic for several reasons.
First, the Court is inconsistent. Though the risk for a “perception of endorsement” exists in the Court’s mind when a “house of worship” meets for “worship” in a school once per week, that same concern does not exist, apparently, when public schools rent classroom space from “houses of worship” 5 days a week (e.g. PS 150 rents school space from Queen of Angels right here in Sunnyside).
Secondly, the Court has now played the role of theologian. I wonder how many of the Justices have attended seminary and are really able to speak authoritatively about when “religious activity” ends, and actual “worship” begins? What actually defines “worship” is a question to be answered by theologians, not U.S. Judges.
Finally, it does not presently seem to be an economically justifiable move to evict so many rent-paying groups. The loss of rental funds from “houses of worship” will either have to be accounted for by increasing taxes or reducing services-both very popular options with NYC residents, I am sure!
Thankfully, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, who represents parts of the Bronx, is now pursuing legislation to keep school districts from discriminating against religious groups. Furthermore, New York Sen. John Sampson, who represents sections of Brooklyn, has agreed to introduce legislation at the state level to ensure equal access for all groups-regardless of their religious beliefs or activities.
We aren’t asking for special treatment. We are only asking for the same right of access as all other groups, regardless of their beliefs.
I would also like to add at the end, “Regardless of how our location changes, our commitment to serving the community of Sunnyside will not. We love Sunnyside and agree that it is among the top 10 places to live in NYC!”
