Is Religious Diverstiy Important on the Supreme Court

When the question of diversity on the Supreme Court is discussed, it is generally limited to race and gender. Diversity within government is important, especially when we are supposed to have representative government. It therefore makes sense that religious diversity should be of importance as well.

The Supreme Court over the last few years has become more and more homogeneous as far as religion. Currently, there are 5 judges that are Catholic, Roberts, Alito, Scalia, Kennedy and Thomas, two Jewish judges, Bader-Ginsberg and Breyer , one Protestant, Stephens and one Episcopalian, Souter. If Sonia Sotomayor is confirmed to the Supreme Court , the religious makeup would be 6 Catholic judges, 2 Jewish judges and one Protestant judge. The question arises should religious beliefs be a factor to consider when nominating and confirming a Supreme Court Judge. Should there be concern that the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, has threatened excommunication or denial of communion for Catholic government officials if they vote on issues that went against the teachings of the church or the fact that Catholics have been excommunicated for being employed in jobs that the Church does not approve of, for example Planned Parenthood? The Catholic Church's teachings are homophobic and sexist, so should there be concern that these Catholic Supreme Court Justices could be biased on cases that involve issues of rights and equality for these groups or individuals. Throughout history, the power of religion on people’s beliefs and actions has been the cause of much strife. With the unrest in this country and throughout the world because of the rise of religious fundamentalism, is it wise to have one religious group dominating a whole equal branch of government? I think not.