July 2, 1999

Ms. L. Glena Flick
Route 2, Box 196
Inwood, West Virginia 25428

Dear Ms. Flick:

Governor Underwood forwarded your letter regarding the placement of Gideon International New Testament Bibles in schools and prayer to my office for response.

I am certain you are aware of the constitutional mandate for separation of church and state. The public, state and the county boards of education have long struggled with this issue.

Despite these struggles, it is a fact that the United States Supreme Court has ruled that school sponsored prayer is unconstitutional. Additionally, providing Bibles to students in public schools would also constitute a constitutional violation.

Your concern is appreciated. However, my office has no authority to assist you in your pursuit of prayer in public schools or the distribution of Gideon Bibles in public schools.

Hoping that I have been of service, I am

Sincerely,

/s/

Henry Marockie
State Superintendent of Schools
HM/mp