Idaho’s Table Rock Cross

December 1, 1999

Last Sunday, nearly 10,000 people took to the streets of Boise, Idaho, to express their support of the Table Rock Christian cross. The 60-foot high monument stands on what was once public land; in the early 1970s, though, officials conveyed a small portion of the land on which the cross is built to the local Jaycees organization.

Documents of government meetings suggest that these officials deliberately acted to keep work of the transfer low-key, and ensure that the monument ended up under the control of the Boise Jaycees, rather than a group which might dismantle the cross.

A legal challenge to the Boise cross got only as far as the State Land Board. Three weeks ago, however, First Amendment civil rights activist Rob Sherman spoke to the Idaho Atheists, and resurrected the issue of the Table Rock monument. Sherman charged that officials acted improperly in transferring the land to the Jaycees, and has raised the possibility of a legal challenge.

Last Sunday's demonstration in support of the Table Rock cross suggests that many people still do not understand the legal issues surrounding this case. It is not an issue related to the legitimate free exercise of religion or “private property rights” as the Jaycees suggest. Rather, it has to do with a questionable land transfer that was possibly made with the goal of circumventing the separation of church and state.

One person decided to speak out against the effusive, unquestioning tide of support for the Table Rock Cross. Carol Bachelder stood on a sidewalk across from the capitol building with signs calling for the removal of the cross; as a result, her “protest of one” attracted national media attention. Many of those who want to see the cross removed may seek other means, including the courts, to address this problem; and admittedly, some of these same individuals have told AANEWS that they fear for their jobs and personal safety if they speak out too vocally on this issue. Boise is, admittedly, a community with strong religious sentiments. We have also received feedback noting that many Christian Identity groups and other religious extremists have established themselves in Idaho; these, and other factors have created in the minds of some a “climate of fear” which stifles protest, discourages civil dissent, and often silences atheists.

With this in mind, we want to present a contribution from Carol Bachelder, a Boise activist who dared to go against the grain, and refused to be silenced. We note that such protest techniques “aren't for everyone,” that some may feel more comfortable writing a letter to the editor or finding some other way to express their ideas. Many remain as “closeted” atheists and separationists, and we can only encourage these individuals -- gently and patiently -- to start speaking out when and where they can. Others may disagree with some of the tone in Ms. Bachelder's protest and article. We think, however, that her experience in Boise is a “call to action,” from which atheists everywhere can benefit.

[Read Carol Batchelder’s Column]

links:

Flash Line article
Rob Sherman
Affiliated Groups

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