Separation of Church and State

Friday, 27 January 2012

The framers of the US Constitution crafted the separation of church and state, guaranteeing religious liberty for everyone. The phrase “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”, called the establishment clause, was written in 1789, and ratified in 1791. It required the government to maintain neutrality toward religion and prohibited it from declaring and financially supporting a national religion.

What exactly are the rules and limitations of the establishment clause?

How does it apply to laws based on religion?

Can the government finance faith based programs or institutions?

Rev. Barry Lynn. Executive Director of Americans United for the Separation of State and Church talks about his observations, -- together with Dr. Joel Hunter, Senior Pastor of Northland Church, a congregation of 15,000 at four sites in Central Florida. He is a spiritual advisor to President Obama.