The case for separation of church and state was made more than 200 years ago at the birth of this nation. The founding fathers who drafted our Constitution and Bill of Rights made the case long ago. The very first words of the first amendment address the separation of church and state and plainly command that the state shall not intertwine itself in any way with a state religion: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...."

Clearly, the founders wished to create a nation that was not hindered by the influences of the church. They also believed the nation would be stronger if the state got out of the way of religion, hence, the second part of the first amendment mentions not interfering with the free exercise of religion.

This nation is founded on principles of personal freedom. Again, as outlined in the Bill of Rights, no established state religious philosophy can be imposed. No government official tells someone they must worship this god, in this way, at this time. No person can be arrested for practicing whatever religion they choose or for not practicing any religion at all.

The roots of personal freedom set forth in those initial documents planted the seeds of variety and choice. The first amendment clearly shows that we have choice in our faith and those timeless words are inclusive of vast religious variety. Indeed, as the variety of peoples living in this country have grown in the "melting pop" of cultures, ideologies, and religions, the power of the establishment clause has become stupendous.

Despite seepage through several cracks in the wall of separation of church and state, the case for the wall was made long ago by the founders of this nation.

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