Texas, June 22, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League has called on the Texas Republican Party to modify its party platform calling America "a Christian nation."

In a letter to Texas Republican Party officials by the Southwest Region and North Texas Regions of the Anti-Defamation League, ADL expressed concern about the party's recently adopted platform declaring the United States to be "a Christian nation" and referring to the "myth" of the separation of church and state.

ADL is deeply concerned by the "Christian nation" language.  Calling America a "Christian nation" diminishes the fact that our country is a democratic nation founded on and embodying the principle of diversity, including religious diversity.  Religion has flourished in America precisely because of America's respect and commitment to its diversity and pluralism, and we call on Democrats and Republicans alike, to be mindful that America is home to people of all faiths and backgrounds.   The separation of church and state is no myth; rather it is a fundamental principle of our democracy.   

ADL urges the Texas GOP to modify language in its party platform to reinforce principles and values that unite our diverse nation, rather than issue statements with the potential to divide our citizenry.