Was I Right, Or Was I Right?

I commented recently that the liberals' beloved separation of church and state goes out the window when they can use churches for their own benefit, such as when Democrats campaign from the pulpit in black churches, or in incidents such as this: But what if, instead of shielding criminals from justice, a church could be used to persuade lawbreakers to surrender? Ohhh nooo, THAT'S a violation of church and state, according to the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Federal officials had hoped to launch a program in Camden this fall that would encourage wanted criminals to surrender at a Baptist church. Instead, the Camden idea will have to be scrapped, with the loss of thousands of dollars in grant money, because the New Jersey Supreme Court won't allow judges to participate. "There are concerns about having court procedures taking place in any religious facility," said Winnie Comfort, a spokeswoman for the court. Federal officials, who had hoped to copy a successful Cleveland program that netted more than 800 fugitives in four days last summer, are furious at New Jersey's highest jurist. U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie said Chief Justice Deborah T. Poritz is blocking the program "by relying on incorrect legal technicalities." "The chief justice is wrong, and I am deeply disappointed in her inability to show any flexibility," Christie said.