We posted last week about how Joe Kennedy, the former assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington who kept praying on the field despite several warnings that he was violating the law, had filed a lawsuit against the District after they chose not to renew his contract.

It’s not surprising that church/state separation advocates don’t believe he has a case, but check out this blistering editorial from a local newspaper, the Kitsap Sun:

… Kennedy was a part-time employee who didn’t follow directions given by his employer, didn’t seek a common sense way to achieve his goals of coaching and quietly giving thanks to God, who doesn’t have automatic contract renewal given that the Knights have a new coach with a right to chose his own coaching staff. What is this lawsuit? It’s a continued waste of time and resources. … Prayer is a significant ritual to Christians and people of all faiths. But humility and obedience are essential Biblical and spiritual concepts as well. It would be wonderful if Kennedy and his lawyers could end this story by acting in a way that makes those the lasting lessons.

Kennedy and his lawyers won’t back down. There’s too much pride at stake and a martyr complex that needs to be fed. Plus, First Liberty, the conservative legal group representing Kennedy, isn’t going to stop fundraising off of this case anytime soon.

But make no mistake: Every legal precedent is against them. They want judges to ignore the law by granting Kennedy special rights that apply only to Christians. Because no Muslim or atheist coach would ever get away with what he’s doing.

(Thanks to Alyson for the link)



