Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said that Patterson's use of public funds to pay for the stadium rental for a Promise Keepers rally last June raises serious legal concerns. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the California State Constitution forbid the use of tax money to subsidize religion, he said.

Lynn noted Article XVI, Sec. 5 of the state constitution that states, "Neither the Legislature, nor any county, (nor) city…shall ever make an appropriation of, or pay from any public fund whatever, or grant anything to or in aid of any religious sect, church, creed or sectarian purpose…."

"One can interpret the efforts of the Promise Keepers in many ways, but their rallies are surely of a 'sectarian purpose,'" said Lynn. "As such, it would appear that by intentionally and publicly subsidizing an event where one religious faith is featured and celebrated, Mayor Patterson's office chose to make an appropriation to a religious group for a religious purpose, ignoring the constitutional law prohibiting him from doing so."

Lynn insisted that this irresponsible misuse of public funds embarrasses the city and threatens the public trust of those Patterson represents. He concluded that there is a single recourse for Patterson regarding this embarrassing ordeal.

"In light of this error, it appears the only responsible course of action is for you to reimburse the taxpayers of Fresno for their money that you inappropriately spent," Lynn said. "I urge you to begin to make amends for this breach of the public trust by paying back the taxpayers for the misuse of their money."

Americans United is a 50,000-member public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to defend religious liberty by supporting the separation of church and state. Founded in 1947, the group this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, 1816 Jefferson Place, N.W. Washington, D.C.20036 202.466.3234 x215 202.466.2587 fax E-mail: rickard@au.org WWW site: http://www.au.org/