The Baptist leaders decry anti-public school statements that identify public schools as "the enemies of God," that label the nation's school system as "a dark and decaying government school system" and that claim public schools are converting Christian children "to an anti-Christian worldview" and "urge a halt to the demonization of public schools."

"We believe Baptists should recommit themselves to public education, not as a means toward converting school children, but because it is the right thing to do," the letter says. "We believe public school children are God's children who deserve the nurture of a good society, the prospect for a good education and the equal opportunity for a good life."