Representative David Byrd: District 71 Capitol Hill Update

“Separation of Church and State”

The phrase “Separation of Church and State” is a popular phrase that is often quoted when discussing religion and government or debating whether to allow prayer and Biblical teachings in public schools. So where does the popular phrase originate from? Is it stated in the First Amendment, or is it elsewhere in the U.S. Constitution? The answer is NO! In fact, the phrase is not found in any of our founding documents. The First Amendment simply states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

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