About two dozen Illinois North Shore activists attended the organizational meeting of the North Shore Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State on January 18, 2007, at the Northbrook Public Library.

Those in attendance selected seven board members: Matt Lowry, Sharon Sanders, Paul Cooper, Hal Snyder, Bob Wilson, Norm Gibons and David Robin. The board then appointed four initial officers for the chapter:

President - Matt Lowry
Vice President - Sharon Sanders
Secretary - Paul Cooper
Treasurer - Bob Wilson

A resolution was adopted to apply to the Americans United for formal recognition. Copies of a proposed Statement of Intent and by-laws were distributed and adopted by the board.

UPDATE:

The North Shore Chapter has been accepted by the national organization of Americans United and we have been assigned Chapter No. 104. We are currently covered under the group exemption of AU and recognized as a tax-exempt educational non-profit under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The issues surrounding Separation of Church & State are complex. You may wonder why such an organization is needed when the First Amendment seems clear. What you may not realize is that the traditional "wall" of separation is continually under assault from those who

want to declare the United States a "Christian Nation" and to have government officially recognize their religious primacy.

We urge you to learn more about Americans United by visiting our national website. Here is a LINK to more information about our organization.

We Believe

• Every American should have the right to make personal decisions -- about family life, reproductive health, end of life care and other matters of personal conscience.
• American tax dollars should not go to charities that discriminate in hiring based on religious belief or that promote a particular religious faith as a requirement for receiving services.
• Political candidates should not be endorsed or opposed by houses of worship.
• Public schools should teach with academic integrity and without the promotion of religious preference or belief.
• Decisions about scientific and health policies should be based on the best available scientific data, not on religious doctrine.
  
  

Download the North Shore Chapter FAQ.