The principle of church-state separation is one of my passions.  I'm a staunct advocate. I think the Founders of our nation did us a great favor in establishing this great principle, namely, that everyone should have freedom of religion (chose your own spiritual path, or none at all); and that the government should stay out of religious matters (i.e. no support/no promotion/no funding). The principle of church-separation has created a nation where religion is vital and flourising (just look around you), and where we have avoided the violent religious conflicts that devastate so many places in the world.

As a Baptist minister I know that religion can be a blessing.  However, it can also be a great danger, and especially when religion gets hungry for power and dominance, and claims the right to "lord it over" others.  Unfortunately, this has happened all too often, so we need to be vigilant.

Because I'm passionate about this I started a local chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State here in Clay County.  Check out the excellent national website at www.au.org [1], and find the Clay County Chapter by clicking on "get involved", then "chapters". What are your views on this?