Tommy Mann

Many people are shocked to learn that the words “separation of church and state” do not appear in the Constitution or Bill or Rights. I’m sure you have heard that phrase invoked more times than you can count: “You can’t have the 10 Commandments in the courtroom because of the separation of church and state.” “City Hall can’t have a manger scene on the lawn; that violates the separation of church and state.” “You can’t pray in Jesus’ name at (insert your public appearance here). Haven’t you ever heard of the separation of church and state?” I could go on, but I’m sure you get the idea. It’s funny that most people invoking this wall of separation are ones who claim to study and defend the Constitution; they, more than anyone else, should know that the mythical “wall” is nowhere to be found in our nation’s governing documents. So where does the wall of separation appear? In a private letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group known as the Danbury Baptists in Connecticut. T...