separation of church and state

1. The principle that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality toward religion. Many view separation of church and state as required by the First Amendment (see also First Amendment). The First Amendment not only allows citizens the freedom to practice any religion of their choice, but also prevents the government from officially recognizing or favoring any religion.

The relationship between church and state has been extremely controversial since the first settlers arrived in America to escape religious persecution in Europe, and many cases involving the issue have reached the Supreme Court.

Interpretation of the principle has been ambiguous: for instance, the Supreme Court has recently upheld laws prohibiting prayer in the schools but has permitted the construction of Nativity scenes on government property. (See also established church (see also established church) and freedom of religion.)

Example Sentences

Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the consent judgment proposed to U.S.

From Salon

Our guest this week is Dartmouth historian Randall Balmer, author of “America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State.”

From Salon

But she played the part in a way that made Julia’s stand against the Reagan right’s assault on the separation of church and state feel significant.

From Salon

Two years later, he criticized older Republicans for ignoring the “separation of church and state.”

From Salon

By 2022, he was falsely claiming the separation of church and state is “a fabrication” made up by “secular humanists.”

From Salon