Bluegrass Embarrassment: The Rev. Albert Pennybacker

Today we unveil the first honoree in our new series, Bluegrass Embarrassments, which will highlight those who bring disrepute upon the Bluegrass State through their public statements or deeds. Our first choice is "The Rev." Albert Pennybacker, who has become notorious for apparently believing that the concept of "separation of church and state" is a requirement of the First Amendment.

We've read the First Amendment hundreds of times, and we've never found a requirement that there be a separation of church and state. We see a prohibition against choosing an official state religion and a directive against outlawing any particular religions, but we don't see anything that prohibits any interaction between government and spiritual interests.

Pennybacker, a Lexington resident, interprets things differently. You'll see him listed as an officer or member of various organizations, but his message is always the same when he appears on national television. He doesn't think there should be any connection whatsoever between government interests and churches. He was a prime go-to guy in the wake of last week's Kentucky court decision in Franklin County concerning the funding of a pharmacy school for the University of the Cumberlands, formerly known as Cumberland College.

Pennybacker misinterprets the Constitution and embarrasses the Commonwealth every time he goes on television to assert his misguided philosophy. He is truly a Bluegrass Embarrassment. Pennybacker professes to be a man of God. He should spend more time saving souls and less time spreading misinformation about our country's supreme law.