June 9, 2004

Dear Daily Union,

I'd like to clear up some misconceptions about the Countryside Home cross and altar issue. My objection centers on the use of public funds for purchasing these symbols, then displaying them in the public space of the multi-purpose room.

My communications with the Board of Trustees have always affirmed the right of religious expression for Countryside residents. Unfortunately, the media summarized my objection as “Jefferson man wants cross and altar removed from nursing home.” The mob with pitchforks and torches appeared soon after.

I intend to defend religious expression, not hamper it. The County needs to be even-handed and neutral. It can't expend its funds to promote religion. It also needs to be very careful to avoid appearing to favor one religion over another, or even promoting belief.

The first misconception - the cross, altar and lectern were not donated. The $6,000 purchase was proposed in January 2003 and authorized in March by then-Administrator Michael Gernetzke. The money was taken from the Resident's Fund, a County account.

The Resident's Fund is filled by donations to the County, usually small non-specific bequests made in a deceased's name. The Fund was normally spent on tasks such as maintenance of the aquarium and aviary. There were two $1,000 donations specifically for the cross, one in September and one in December. No specific donations were ever made for the $3,000 altar or the $2,000 lectern.

I hope the Board will adopt a policy to prohibit purchasing religious items with the Resident's Fund. If someone wishes to donate a religious item, they should do it directly. I hope the Board will also un-do the error of using public funds for this. Perhaps the altar's supporters can donate the remaining $2,000 to reimburse the County for its cost.

Next, there is a Federal nursing home regulation “F248” that requires Countryside's therapists to insure that residents have an activities program that lets them express their religious, cultural and recreational interests. Countryside has this in spades. It is very misleading for anyone to suggest there is a danger of being fined for non-compliance. “F248” does not justify purchasing the cross and altar with public funds, nor does it tell where to put them. This minor regulation does not provide a loophole in the Constitution.

When the new facility was designed, the Board decided not to create a separate chapel space. This is unfortunate. Perhaps it is the key to the problem. The courts allow for a separate chapel in places like a nursing home. Countryside is, after all, a home. The courts have also ruled against religious symbols in public spaces, especially those purchased with public funds.

The multi-purpose room is not a good chapel. It is never a purely private space. It is in frequent use for other activities. The room's divider is almost always open and can be closed only by staff. Residents, families and clergy have nowhere to go for privacy.

The Board of Trustees first considered moving the cross and altar from the room during public events at their meeting in February, a month before I had a chance to address them. In March I suggested moving them. In April my letter recommended a dedicated private space.

I did not say I was “offended” when I first saw the cross and altar, as claimed by Ron Wegner at the forum and in his email he described there. I have said “surprised” and “shocked.” All my statements to the Trustees are on my web site if you want to see them in context.

I never requested the curtain. Administrator Earlene Ronk installed this curtain days before the forum - without the authorization of the Board of Trustees. Like many supporters, I agree that covering these symbols isn't respectful.

Curtains are not a good solution. It would be far too easy to forget to cover everything after a service or devotion. Many residents are not mobile enough to remove and replace the coverings on their own. I am concerned that the long-term result would be that they would remain uncovered.

I think the public forum gave the Board a better understanding of the needs of residents and families for a private space for worship throughout the day. I look forward to their decisions. My thanks to Alex Schneider for discouraging the use of tar and feathers.

Sincerely,

John J. Foust