MAPLEWOOD, Mo. -- Neighbors gathered Sunday afternoon to reflect on a core part of America’s foundation, the separation of church and state with a picnic that blended history with today’s challenges.

St. Louis neighbors gathered not just for food and music, but to talk about protecting a constitutional principle. Hours later news of a church shooting in Michigan underscored why organizers say that work remains urgent.

Families gathered at Deer Creek Park on Sunday afternoon, for food, music, and a message, as the St. Louis chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State hosting its annual “Picnic with a Purpose.”

Cynthia Holmes is the President of the St. Louis chapter she said, “It’s a principal. It was established by Thomas Jefferson that we should have a wall between t

See Full Page