“In matters of religion, I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the general government. I have therefore undertaken on no occasion to prescribe the religious exercises suited to it; but have left them as the Constitution found them, under the direction and discipline of State or Church authorities acknowledged by the several religious societies.” MatterStatesGovernmentFoundLeftChurchReligiousDisciplineExerciseAuthorityConstitutionIndependentOccasionsSeparation Of Church And State Book:Jefferson on Freedom: Wisdom, Advice, and Hints on Freedom, Democracy, and the American Way Source: Jefferson on Freedom: Wisdom, Advice, and Hints on Freedom, Democracy, and the American Way
“Religion and liberty are inseparable. Religion is voluntary, and cannot, and ought not to be forced. This is a fundamental article of the American creed, without distinction of sect or party. Liberty, both civil and religious, is an American instinct. Such liberty is impossible on the basis of a union of church and state, where the one of necessity restricts or controls the other. It requires a friendly separation, where each power is entirely independent in its own sphere.” StatesChurchReligiousPartyLibertyImpossibleAtheismOughtBasesIndependentFundamentalsUnionsInstinctSeparationDistinctionFriendlyArticlesSpheresCreedsChurch And StateInseparableSects Author:Philip Schaff