[SoothingDave]

The state cannot force anyone to deny their moral or religious beliefs.

Obviously you have never seen the state in action. Under American law, a belief that is contrary to public policy can be held only so long as it is not translated into action.

Let me give a better hypothetical example. Suppose Prohibition had somehow passed without an exemption for liturgical use. A priest in America, any Catholic, would have the right to "believe" that wine could be changed into Precious Blood during a Mass, but would be prohibited from actually having a Mass.

SD

[JohnnyM]

It is ok to disobey the law of the land if it goes against the Law or will of the Father. Take for example in Daniel when Shadrach, Meshach, and Obednigo (sp?) didn't bow down to the statue/idol of the king. This was clearly against the law, but a higher law (that of God) superceded it. We must act the same.

JM

[RobbyS]

Let me give a better hypothetical example. Suppose Prohibition had somehow passed without an exemption for liturgical use. A priest in America, any Catholic, would have the right to "believe" that wine could be changed into Precious Blood during a Mass, but would be prohibited from actually having a Mass. Noonanalso gives this example. To emphasize the point you are making, the Amendment itself does not allow this exception; the Volstead Act, which implemented the Amendment did, however.

My example , however, is not hypothetical but based on actual cases.

[malakhi]

A priest in America, any Catholic, would have the right to "believe" that wine could be changed into Precious Blood during a Mass, but would be prohibited from actually having a Mass.

He has a third choice. He can refuse to obey an unjust law, and make a decision to risk punishment to do what he believes is right.