Public School Holds Graduation in Church

Why would a state community college hold graduation ceremonies in a church? Well, that's just what Central Florida Community College does - hold graduation in an Ocala Baptist. The gymnasium is too small, so it's understandable that they need to go elsewhere - but in what way is using a church appropriate?

Because of their choice of a Baptist church, a Jewish students who is graduating will have to miss the ceremonies and it's not entirely clear if she will get her graduation fee back. As the Sun-Sentinel explains:

"I'm very tolerant of other people's religions," [Rebecca] Wright said. "But to have to stand under a cross to get my diploma really insults me. You're kind of shoving the cross in my face." ... Mathew Staver, president of Orlando's Liberty Council, offered some advice to Wright and others like her: "Become tolerant of other people."

I always find it interesting when minorities have to be more "tolerant" of the majority when that majority uses its political and social power to reinforce or support its own beliefs and prejudices. The majority, on the other hand, apparently isn't obligated to show any tolerance towards the beliefs and conscience of minorities. Is that supposed to be the "Christian" way of doing things?

Read More:

• Separation of Church and State 101