SEPARATION: Church, state explained

“If you had only read the Constitution and the Amendments, you would have seen, in the first amendment, written in the 1700’s, that the government wouldn’t interfere in religion. T. Jefferson put it in the simple term-Separation of Church and State. Now all Cd’A press readers know you’re ignornant!”

This is exactly the anonymous letter I received in the mail. It’s in response to a letter I wrote that was published in the Coeur d’Alene Press on Nov. 19. I would like to address that response, on this public forum, if I may…

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” This prevents a government-funded church of the United States. The intent was to avoid another Church of England (a national denomination forced upon the citizens) established in the United States. None of the framers’ comments reflected intent to separate religious principles from government.

“…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This protects our freedom of religion.

To reiterate, although it is often translated as such, “Separation of Church and State” is NOT written anywhere in the United States Constitution or the Bill of Rights.

KAREN MILACEK

Post Falls