Winchester Academy will feature “The Future of Church/State Separation: A Legal Perspective” by Sam Grover, sponsored by Rose Dorow, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, at the Waupaca Area Public Library.

Attorney Sam Grover of the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) will focus his presentation on real world examples of religious promotion by the government that will underscore why the ideological battle over church and state separation should be of concern to everyone, regardless of their personal beliefs.

FFRF is a national nonprofit organization based in Madison, whose purpose is to protect the constitutional principle of separation of state and church.

According to Grover, FFRF has many religious members in addition to the atheists and agnostics they often represent. He believes his presentation will do justice to the common interest of all its members, which is preserving one of the nation’s founding principles enshrined in the Constitution’s Establishment Clause.

Sharing insights and anecdotes from his experience as an advocate, Grover will include descriptions of FFRF’s recent legal victories, current cases and ongoing national efforts.

Grover hopes that audience members will come away with a better understanding of “why there can be true freedom of religious worship only in a country where there is freedom from government-sponsored religion.”

Sam Grover received his B.A. in Philosophy from Wesleyan University in 2008, and worked as a legal intern for FFRF while attending Boston University School of Law. He received his J.D. from Boston University in 2012. Working as a law clerk for the Vermont Office of Legislative Council, he drafted legislation on health care, human services and tax issues. He returned to work as a constitutional consultant for FFRF in 2013.

This program is free and open to the public. Cookies and coffee are served at 6 p.m. and the program begins promptly at 6:30 p.m..

Winchester Academy is a nonprofit Waupaca organization administered by a volunteer board of trustees. It brings engaging, informative and educational programs to the community on a wide range of topics, recognizing that the love of learning continues throughout life and outside of school walls.

Program expenses are funded through sponsors and through gifts and donations from community members who support the Academy. Donations are tax deductible.

For more information about Winchester Academy, check winchesteracademywaupaca.org, follow on Facebook, or contact Executive Director Ann Buerger Linden at 715-258-2927 or [email protected]