Churches belong in community event

Mike Fanella's letter of July 19th about banning churches from 4th of July parades has got it wrong a couple of counts.

First, separation of church and state exists to ensure religious freedom, and to prevent government from interfering with that freedom; not the other way around. And second, parades on the 4th are a celebration of our communities, even more than a celebration of our independence.

Churches are a big part of most communities. For example, our church - Vineyard (in Evanston) - provides groceries for 150 families a week, clothing for hundreds, and school supplies and backpacks every fall for 500 children - all of it free, and without requirements to even visit our services.

And yes, we're part of Evanston's parade, and have been for decades. Parades are celebrations of neighbors and friends, yes?

Aren't churches part of that neighborhood?

Steven Haworth

Des Plaines