Robertson wants Iraq kept secular

Christian Century, April 5, 2003

Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson says that President Bush should put church-state separation "at the very top of its agenda" in rebuilding Iraq after defeating Saddam Hussein's regime. He urged that Iraq be kept a secular state and not allowed to form an Islamic state, according to remarks March 17 on his 700 Club.

Robertson has often said that the "wall of separation" developed in court decisions on the First Amendment is unconstitutional, contending also that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation.

With tongue in cheek, director Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State said he sent Robertson a thank-you letter for his "conversion." Added Lynn: "I'm sure once he gives it some thought, he will realize that religious liberty is as good for Americans as it is for Iraqis."