A dispute has developed in Washington state over the use of state land by religious groups, with the state banning a Christian organization's plans for a baptismal service in one state park while allowing, in another state park, a Krishna Camp that includes "spiritual activities," "Krishna conscious discussions" and "devotional games."
The Olympian reported today that Pastor Paul Jones of Reality Church confirmed the organization declined to pursue legal action against the state, because it would be "inconsistent with our mission as a family church."
However, he told the newspaper he doesn't think the state applies its rules equally, because "there are places where they have a lot of religious practice (including weddings)."
The Olympia church had asked permission to hold a barbecue on the grounds of Heritage State Park, and the application mentioned a plan for a baptism. The state response was that the cookout was allowed, but no religious event could be held.
Acting Director Jane Rushford of the Washington Department of General Administration, which manages Heritage, confirmed: "GA [General Administration] approves the use of Heritage Park by Reality Church for the purpose of holding a barbecue picnic as requested in the church's August 2nd event application."
However, the letter, sent to the American Center for Law and Justice, which helped the church file an appeal of an original denial, continued. "GA denies the use of Heritage Park by Reality Church for the purpose of conducting a baptism ceremony. Article 1 sub sect 11 of the Washington State Constitution provides that 'No public money or property shall be appropriated for or applied to any religious worship, exercise or instruction, or the support of any religious establishment.' A baptism ceremony is a form of religious exercise, and as such it would violate Article 1 sub sect 11 to authorize the use of state property for this purpose."
The Christian church then chose to cancel the barbecue and instead held a baptism service at another location. The ACLJ issued a statement that said, "The denial of the baptism ceremony represents a violation of our client's constitutional rights protected by the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment. We're disappointed that the state failed to permit our client to fully exercise his constitutional rights."
The U.S. Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
But at the same time, a publicly accessible page on Facebook was promoting the Kirshna event at another state park in Washington.
Krishna Camp -There is still time for early registration for Krishna Camp, September 2-5, 2011. Brooks Memorial State Park, WA. A great way to spend Radhastami weekend. Engage in spiritual activities with in-depth Radha (it's Radhastami!) and Krishna conscious discussions, devotional games, yoga sessions, campfire kirtan jams and fun activities for children of all ages. Early Registration price through Aug 15 is $99 for adults and $45 for Kids ages 3 and up.
A website for "The Land of Krishna" explains that Radhastami "is the celebration day of Srimati Radharani's birth. Radharani is the consort of Kirshna. She was born 15 days after Krishna's birth, which is celebrated also – Janmastami."
Another site added more detail:
Radharani's special qualification is that she is the best devotee of Krishna. Krishna therefore loves her the most. On her festival day, devotees seeking Krishna's grace will especially ask her to grant them devotion to her beloved Lord, knowing that if they can attain her favour, they can attain his as a natural consequence.
Many pray to Lord Krishna that he may permit them to approach the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, knowing that if he is satisfied by their prayer then she will smile upon them also and pure devotion will be theirs. Sri Sri Radha and Krishna are the Eternal Divine Couple and are forever bound up in transcendental love for one another. Worshipping Them is the goal of life for Gaudiya Vaisnavas. Devotees will fast until noon and sing devotional songs in praise of the Divine Couple and their pastimes. Then a feast is served, most often including the famous Radha Red — a delicious, spicey, plum chutney.
The Washington state General Administration said it could not respond to a question about the use of Brooks.
"The Department of General Administration does not schedule event, activities or display in state parks. The department manages only those activities for the Capitol Campus in Olympia. That includes Heritage Park, which falls under our jurisdiction and management," the agency said. "For answers about your questions regarding Brooks Memorial State Park, I recommend you contact the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission."
At parks commission, spokeswoman Linda Burnett said there is no issue with such activities.
"We have Christian (from Catholic to Unitarian Universalist and everything in between), Jewish, Baha'i, Muslim, Pagan, Wiccan, Krishna, etc., and they have never been denied usage of any State Park facility or park to my knowledge."
The church said it would not further challenge the state.
"Our mission as a church is to live as a community in the ways of Jesus and to invite others to do the same," it said in a statement. " Any legal action would be inconsistent with our original goals for the event and inconsistent with our mission as a church family. We have notified the ACLJ that we do not desire to proceed with legal action and have no need of representation from them. While we are disappointed with the state's decision, we had a great baptism and are celebrating what Jesus is doing in the lives of our people and our community."