JIM JONES Signs removed from lookouts

Recently I wrote about the spiritual hold Grand Canyon has on so many people, including myself. I had no inkling that a church-state controversy over religious expression in the national park was imminent.
But last week, bronze plaques with Bible passages declaring God's majesty and glory were removed from three popular lookout spots on the South Rim of the canyon. Grand Canyon National Park officials removed them after complaints from the American Civil Liberties Union and others.
Their removal has spurred new protests, demanding that the plaques, which had been up for 30 years, be put back.
During a recent visit, I saw the plaques, including one from Psalms 104:24, which declares: "Oh Lord, how manifold are thy works, in wisdom hast made them all. The earth is full of thy riches." To me, as I looked out across God's splendor, the words seemed appropriate.
But the plaques have been ruled in violation of the First Amendment clause of the U.S. Constitution calling for separation of church and state.
"The Department of Interior determined that the plaques were not appropriate for federal public facilities," park spokeswoman Maureen Oltrogge said. "The First Amendment prohibits the government from supporting a particular religion. It's a difficult issue, but it is supported by numerous court decisions."
Opposition to removal
Many visitors are upset.
"We've had lots of calls, e-mails and letters from people saying they are sorry the plaques are being removed," said Linda Powell, who is secretary to park superintendent Joe Alston.
The plaques -- at Hermit's Rest, Lookout Studio and Desertview Tower -- were put up in the late 1960s by a Phoenix branch of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, an interdenominational organization founded in 1947 under auspices of the Protestant German Evangelical Church
"We were stunned when we heard the news that our three Scripture plaques at the Grand Canyon were suddenly removed," a statement from the sisterhood said. "These plaques have inspired many of the awe-struck beholders to admire and acknowledge the Creator of this majestic landscape spread before their eyes."
The statement continues, "We hope for a suitable alternative location to allow the plaques to continue being an asset to the park for many future generations."
Another member of the sisterhood, Sister Mary Anne Hines, said religious references already abound in the canyon. Some of its rock structures are named for Hindu and Buddhist figures, and a major trail into the canyon is called "Bright Angel."
The Rev. Edward Purkey, the park's resident minister, who also is part of an international group called A Christian Ministry to the National Parks, said he has mixed feelings.
"I loved them; I enjoyed them," he said. "But it didn't surprise me they were removed. Thirty years ago, America was a more Christian nation. Now we are much more diverse."
My feeling is that awe-struck visitors to the Grand Canyon will continue to feel the touch of God, even if there are no signs or plaques to remind them of his presence.
XJim Jones writes for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.