history buff logo  Home Button
If History Interests You, then This Section of the Site is For You
Back Thomas Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists - January 1, 1802 Back
About The Letter:
This is the letter that Jefferson sent to the Danbury Babtists that the term "Wall of Separation between church and state" was first used. Notice how he mentions the line from the first amendment regarding the legislature making no law respecting an establishment of religion or restricting the free exercise thereof.

Oddly enough, while Jefferson was President, he permitted the use of government funds for the purpose of distributing bibles to the Indians. He didn't believe that an act such as that would be considered the establishment of religion.
To Messrs. Nehemiah Dodge and Others, a Committee of the Danbury Baptist Association, in the State of Connecticut
January 1, 1802

GENTLEMAN,

The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association, give me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect and esteem.
American History Related Photos World War 1 & World War 2 Photos
Punk rock Cartoon Characters. Free Desktop Wallpapers, Comic Strip & More!
Bob Craypoe's Site Craypoe.com Merchandise Top of This Page Home