We, the undersigned, good Texas Democrats, petition our Texas Democratic Party to bring our 2012 State Convention into compliance with the party's support of separation of church and state as stated in our 2010 platform: “Religious Freedom   Texas Democrats believe government should scrupulously honor every Texan’s right to religious freedom, as guaranteed by the Texas and U.S. Constitutions and protected by the separation of church and state. We believe:

• government must not inhibit the free exercise of religion;

• entangling government with religion is dangerous to both government and religion;

• America is the most religiously observant country in the West because our founders wisely provided for separation of church and state, which allows religion to flourish in freedom; and

• that, just as personal faith and values guide and inspire us to further the well-being of our community; we must never use the power of government at any level to impose our personal religious observances on others.”

The separation of church and state is a long-held principle of our Democratic Party. To define separation of church and state, we refer to Thomas Jefferson who wrote, "I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state."  In 1808, Jefferson also wrote that erecting a "wall of separation between church and state, therefore, is absolutely essential in a free society."  

We appeal especially to our Democratic sisters and brothers in Christ by reminding you of our Lord's words, "And when you pray you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others" Matt 6:5

At past conventions, there have been many long religious invocations and other prayers.   We suggest that these be replaced entirely by moments of silence.  Silence is profound and very welcome on the convention floor.  In moments of silence, each of us could meditate, pray or think about the issues brought before our convention without the distraction of more words.  Let's make every one of our delegates comfortable and welcome, and let's allow each to serve the party without conflict.