Slow news day...

So, in some big news today, it was revealed that President-Elect Obama has not attended church since election night. Apparently, many people are very upset that this apparent *lack* has come to light. In a poll conducted on aol.com, 49% said that his choice to not go is wrong, and a further 49% said it is very important for a U.S. President to attend church (the remaining respondents were divided between somewhat important and not important).

Um. Why? First of all, my understanding regarding his reasoning is that he has not wanted to overwhelm any parishes with his attendance. Keep in mind - his motorcade is *20* cars long at the moment. I mean, really. What church has a parking lot big enough for THAT?!? Then the church has to be scoured by the Secret Service, old Aunt Bertha has to give up her prime seat that she's had since 1958 because it is right next to the exit (the faster to get the President-Elect out), and people end up paying attention to the drama rather than the priest/pastor...really, it's just too much to ask!

But here's my big question - just why is it important for a U.S. President to attend a church service? I do believe that we have a separation of church and state policy in this country, so it truly shouldn't matter. And even if our policy was to marry church and state and make them bed partners (probably some sacrilege there), does it really require a church to believe in God? Isn't belief supposed to be in the heart, and not in your butt while it's sitting on a pew? True belief in a higher power is carried with you always, and reflects in your actions - not in whether or not you are *seen* by others pretending to listen to the sermon while secretly snoozing.

Some of the most hateful people I've ever known were those who never missed a Sunday church service. I'll just be content to know that this does not seem to fit our future President, and let him worship as he chooses...whether in a temple of stone, or one of the heart.