Separation Of Church Quotes

If my church attempted to influence me in a way which was improper or which affected adversely my responsibilities as a public servant sworn to uphold the Constitution, then I would reply to them that this was an improper action on their part. It was one to which I could not subscribe.

I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.

How hurtful to religion and the state is the concession to ministers of religion of any power of issuing decrees or transacting the business of government.

The power of the American system of republicanism lies in its capacity to allow religious belief to be a competing, not a controlling, factor in American life.

I'm not ashamed of my spiritual beliefs, but I in no way incorporate them into this band.

There must be a realm of truth beyond political competence, that's why there must be a separation of churches, but if religion is bad and a bad religion is one that gives an ultimate sanctity to some particular cause.

Politicians should be judged on their actions, rather than necessarily their views on scripture.

Intrude not yourself into ecclesiastical matters.

Allowing Texas to display the Ten Commandments on State property but disallowing Kentucky courthouses from doing the same is a poor and flawed interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

There was a less restrictive version of the 1st Amendment that was proposed whereby the government could not discriminate against any particular religion but could support and give aid to all religions. That did not pass.

The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

To think that a Catholic bishop must answer to a civil authority over matters of faith is abominable. It is abhorrent to me, to other Catholics, and to every member of every faith community.

Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion.

If I want to put a Christmas tree in my yard, or three crosses for the crucifixion story, that's fine. But if I try to use public property or a public school as a way to impress my religion on other people, I think that violates the constitution.

The Founders intended only to prevent the establishment of a single national denomination, not to restrain public religious expressions.

The applicability of the Establishment Clause to public funding of benefits to religious schools was settled in Everson v. Board of Ed. of Ewing, which inaugurated the modern era of establishment doctrine.

The idea that America has some distinctive role to play in the unfolding of God's plan is compatible with orthodox Christianity. But it should be tempered by recognizing that America is not the church.

Our Constitution was framed, not to declare and uphold the deity of Christ, but the sacredness of humanity. Ours is the first government made by the people and for the people. It is the only nation with which the gods have had nothing to do.

It is not for the pastors of the Church to intervene directly in the political construction and organization of social life.

There's no doubt that the Christian right has gone to bed with the more conservative elements of the Republican Party. And there's been a melding in their goals when it comes to the separation of church and state. I've always believed in the separation of church and state.

Secularization is the process by which certain responsibilities pass from ecclesiastical to political authorities.

Americans did not come here to escape religion. The came here to escape established religion.

One religious denomination cannot be officially preferred over another.

The only time I every fear religion is when it has the power of the state behind it.

The [president] has no particle of spiritual jurisdiction. . . .