
- Thomas Jefferson
- 2 of 2;
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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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