The separation of church and state debate places Thomas Jefferson in the middle of any such discussion. His statement "...a wall of separation between Church and State" found in his letter to the Danbury Baptists is often cited as an historic precedent for keeping religion and its influence out of government. His letter was a reply to their letter written to him shortly before (click here to see a transcript of both letters).

The Danbury Baptist Association wrote to President Jefferson (October 7, 1801) with the following concern:

Vagueness concering the U.S. Constitution partaining to religious liberty. Specifically, their concern related to the issue that religious freedom was not deemed an inalienable right (that is, a right that the government could not alter or take away) but possibly viewed as being granted by the government (with the result that this government-granted freedom could be revoked).

The Danbury Baptists wanted clarification on how the federal government viewed this issue as seen by the President. When President Jefferson's reply is understood with the context of this letter it takes on a clear meaning, there is a "wall of separation between Church and State" such that religious freedom is guarenteed. Jefferson's letter does not refer to the limitations of religion but the federal government.

This view of Jefferson's letter is further supported by what he said during during the inaugaral speech of his second term as President (March 4, 1805). He stated,

"In matters of religion I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the General [Federal] Government. I have therefore undertaken on no occasion to prescribe the religious excercises suited to it, but have left them, as the Constitution found them, under the direction and discipline of the church or state authorities acknowledged by the several religious societies."

Note the distinction Jefferson makes between the federal government's (General Government) role with religion and the role of the state government and religion. Religious freedom is independent of the Constitution. That is, the U.S. Constitution cannot hinder religious expression, acts, etc. However, state are given more latitude in being able to give direction to this issue as each sees fit.

What is often forgotten (or ignored) is that Mr. Separation of Church and State himself (Thomas Jefferson) prepared and signed the Declaration of Indepedence. This document deliberately and decisively appeals to God on four separate occasions including as one basis for our freedom as a nation (read more by clicking here). Simply put, Thomas Jefferson's view of separation of church and state is one of keeping the federal government out of religion but not religion out of the federal government. Separation of church and state limits the federal government, not religion. Additionally, this view of separation of church and state is consistent with states being able to embrace religious tests for their politicians if so desired.