Last updated on: 6/8/2009 | Author: ProCon.org

Barry W. Lynn, JD Biography

Title:
Executive Director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Position:
Con to the question "Should the Words “under God” Be in the US Pledge of Allegiance?"
Reasoning:

“I happen to like the Pledge of Allegiance. I like the original one, written back in 1892 by a minister who didn’t feel it was necessary to use the word “God” because he was writing a patriotic statement for the country. Back in 1954, we got a little politically correct during the McCarthy era. Everybody had to prove not just that they loved America, but that they also loved God. We got patriotism and religion confused.”

CNN transcript June 27, 2002
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Executive Director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, 1992-present
  • Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union, 1984-1991
  • United Church of Christ
    Ordained Minister, United Church of Christ, 1974-1980
Education:
  • JD, Georgetown University Law Center, 1978
  • Theology Degree, Boston University School of Theology, 1973
  • BA, Dickinson College, 1970
Other:
  • None found