Kunz v. New York was a landmark Supreme Court case that reached an 8-1 decision on this day seventy years ago, January 15, 1951. The case resolved a freedom of speech issue. Specifically, it ruled that it was unconstitutional to require a permit to speak on religious issues in public. Street preaching was protected.
Carl J. Kunz, a Baptist minister, was convicted of preaching without a permit at Columbus Circle in 1948. He had previously been denied permits in 1947 and 1948 by the New York City Police Commissioner because of his “scurrilous attacks” on Catholics and Jews espoused under a previous permit. The supreme court’s only dissenting vote came from Associate Justice Robert H. Jackson, who claimed Kunz used “fighting words” that were not protected under the Constitution’s First Amendment.
Seventy years later, our nation again finds itself embroiled over “fighting words.” We pray that all violence and hatred subside and peace prevails. Attention should be focused not on “fighting words” but on the “Word” made flesh. Kunz v. New York ruled it is lawful to share the Good News in public. Let us hear that Word.
While Kunz v. New York permits traditional street preaching, its effectiveness as an evangelism tool can be debated. Nonetheless, because of pandemic restrictions, outdoor proclamation has become more commonplace in our communities. Instead of street preaching, we are engaged in “parking lot” preaching. In compliance with the Supreme Court decision, we publicly proclaim God’s message each Sunday at 10:30 AM. Join us this Sunday, January 17th, for our half-hour drive-in worship.