[maica]

When I went to school (in the 50's) I was taught that civic involvement - ranging from voting to holding public office - was a responsibility of every American. Those who were brought up with this belief very often are those who are involved in civic affairs. The fact that the same people are also involved with a church is anathema to the anti-religion secularists who rail against religion and religious in America.

In their eyes if a person who goes to church holds public office that person has "crossed the line of Separation between Church and State." These secularists refuse to accept the fact that civic responsiblilty is a moral value.

[White Mountain]

Your #8:

In [secularist] eyes if a person who goes to church holds public office that person has "crossed the line of Separation between Church and State."

... and of course they are hoping thus to keep church-attending people out of public office so there will be more secularist office-holders. If that is what they say, it is rather self-serving.