Another reason why separation of Church from State is a good idea........

   "The medieval Catholic Church forbade the eating of meat
on religious days, and, in the seventh century, the number of
these days was dramatically expanded.  The Lenten feast, a
custom started in the fourth century was increased to forty
days, and in addition all Fridays, the day of Christ's
crucifixion, were included.  In all, about half the days of the
year became 'lean' days, and food prohibitions for these
days were strictly enforced.  Under English law the penalty
for eating meat on Friday was hanging.  The law remained
on the books until the sixteenth century, when Henry VIII
broke with the Vatican."

-Mark Kurlansky, Salt: A World History