n>Since last month when government officials at all levels began to direct Americans to practice social distancing, avoid events involving more than 10 people, stay at home, and shelter in place, public gatherings have been discontinued without much fuss or fanfare. Bars and restaurants, theaters and concerts halls, and even professional sports quickly and quietly closed their doors, turned off their lights, and sent employees home for the duration. In contrast, efforts to prevent the faithful from gathering to worship have provoked controversy, which provides a reminder both of the persistence of religious intolerance and of the centrality of religious liberty to American constitutional government. Read Full Article »