Jeff Fortenberry: “In other words, the founding document in a certain sense separated the institution of church and state, yet at the same…”

“In other words, the founding document in a certain sense separated the institution of church and state, yet at the same time affirmed the transcended values, the transcended ideals that make democratic politics possible. Frankly we are at a crossroads, because I think for the world to progress in the name of civil reform, in the name of civilization, we have to recognize this fundamental principle, that every person has inherent dignity and rights. That is the foundation of an order that can then be built upon justice and in charity. That is what we are facing worldwide. It is so essential that those of us who have been given the gift of stabilized societies, who have lived with the blessings of that philosophical context, help others who are reaching out as well for civil society and to build up the institutions that can promote that very principle, that every person has inherent dignity and rights.”