Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Religious Test for Federal Judges
Adopted by the CCAR at the 96th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
1985
The President of the United States and some of his aides have stated that candidates
for federal judgeships will be interrogated regarding their positions on matters
pertaining to the separation of church and state, and especially on their stance
regarding prayer in public schools and free access of religious groups to public schools and
other public facilities. Clergy identified with the so-called Moral Majority have
also made statements indicating that they will exert considerable influence in determining the acceptability of men and women under consideration for federal judgeships.
Therefore be it resolved
that the CCAR vigorously oppose any test of religion or religious belief as a basis
for selection or rejection of any candidate for appointment as a judge in our nation’s
courts of justice.