Separation of church and state often misunderstood

There is frequent misunderstanding and argument about the concept separation of church and state. Mr. Launders (May 1) correctly argues the nation’s founders sought to avoid a compulsory national church. But he then promotes the opposite in quotations he gave: “It is impossible to govern without God and the Bible” and that “We are a Christian people.” He added “if Mr. DeBaun doesn’t like God in government he should move because this is what the U.S. is all about.” 

His statements quoted above do not represent the U.S. Constitution. Though God is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution is very clear about government neither establishing nor prohibiting free exercise of religion. In reaction to state enforced official religion in Europe of the time the United States was founded, the founders intentionally specified freedom of religious choice for each citizen.

We may have no religion or any religion we choose, (short of crimes like abuse of children and other violations of civil or criminal law).  

 This is accomplished by letting citizens choose their beliefs and their church or lack of religion as they see fit. To this end, courts have long upheld that government is forbidden to itself establish a religion and therefore may not promote a particular religion by asserting any religious symbol or belief as part of the government or upon government property.

This means government funded schools may not promote or teach students any particular religious beliefs. (It does not prevent students from holding their own beliefs). Religious choice and training is left to parents and their children to choose for themselves. Likewise neither may government discourage any religion by persecution or discrimination. Government and religion must and do function separately, in the interests of religious freedom for each citizen.

STEVE WILLEY

Sandpoint