Jane Lynch, Jordan Peele Star in 'Separation of Church and State' Music Video
Americans United for Separation of Church and State recently released a YouTube video featuring actress Jane Lynch and comedian Jordan Peele who sing a 1970s-themed break-up song backing church/state separation.
The purpose of the video, according to its description on the comedy website Funny or Die, is "to raise awareness for the importance of the constitutional principle of church-state separation."
In the video, Lynch playing the role of church, wears a long white gown and crucifix, while Peele, playing the role of state, wears a 1970s polyester suit.
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"You always take control, I hate when you play that role, I've got to be strong because baby we don't belong together," Peele sings in the music video.
"We're church and state and we need to separate," Lynch chimes in.
"Go ahead and try to forget me state, but my name will still be in your courts and on your money," Lynch tells Peele as the two depart from each other at the end of the song.
The 3-minute video also includes a series of props, such as doves, a Bible, and a book on constitutional law.
The purpose of the music video, according to the Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United, is to take a comedic approach in advocating the importance of separation of church and state in the U.S.
Lynn told Raw Story that he believes the music video was a "clever, amusing way" to bring attention to the group's recent petition, which calls on lawmakers to continue observing the separation of church and state.
"The purpose of it is, among other things, to get people to sign a petition that demonstrates the depth of support for church-state separation around the country. We hope it is shared widely," Lynn told Raw Story.
The text of the petition calls on "government officials to preserve, protect and defend the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure freedom of conscience for all Americans."
The video, the lyrics of which were reportedly written by songwriter Faith Soloway, has received a fair amount of traction on social media, with viewers calling it "hilarious" and "brilliant."
The petition accompanying the video, however, has only received 1,300 signatures since the video was first published on YouTube on Thursday.
The video has been viewed over 14,000 times on YouTube, and over 31,000 times on Funny or Die.
Lynch, who has previously told TMZ that she is "kind of an atheist," is best known for her role as Sue Sylvester on the television show "Glee," produced by Fox.
Peele, an actor and comedian, is best known for his role on the Comedy Central sketch series "Key & Peele," as well as being a cast member on "MadTV."
