Where does the phrase separation of church and state come from? Is it the declaration of independence the first amendment to the constitution? A letter Jefferson wrote to the Danberry Baptist, or a speech Jefferson gave to the congregational church.

Answer 1

The phrase "separation of church and state" does not explicitly appear in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States. It originates from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802.

In this letter, Jefferson used the phrase to clarify his interpretation of the First Amendment to the Constitution, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The letter was in response to concerns raised by the Danbury Baptist Association regarding the potential infringement of religious freedom.

Jefferson's letter expressed his belief that this amendment created a "wall of separation between church and state" to ensure that government would not interfere in religious matters, and that individuals should be free to exercise their religion without state interference.