Thomas Jefferson
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Jefferson's "separation of church & state" letter
written to the Baptists in Danbury, Connecticut on January 1, 1802
"Gentlemen:
The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which
are so good to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Association,
give me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful
and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion
as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of
them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely
between man and his God; that he owes account to none other for his faith
or his worship; that the legislative powers of the government reach actions
only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act
of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should
'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, of prohibiting the
free excercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church
and state. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the
nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere
satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore man
to all of his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition
to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessings
of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you and your religious
association, assurances of my high respect and esteem."
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