In the wake of the country’s deadliest attack on Jewish people in Pittsburgh last month, it came as no surprise that when the FBI released its crime statistics this week, they showed another year of increased hate crimes.

Throughout our history, faith leaders have led the way in advocating for religious freedom for all, including non-believers. People of faith, and particularly Christians, are crucial voices for protecting the separation of religion and government in our country.

If it weren’t for a Supreme Court decision in the case Epperson v. Arkansas, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, it could still be illegal to teach evolution in some public schools.

The cross is not just an interesting geometric pattern. It’s the predominant symbol of the Christian faith. It has power and meaning – for Christians. It is not a generic symbol for memorializing the dead. It simply can’t play that role, and it’s offensive to all, Christians and non-Christians alike, to try to force it to.