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Thomas
Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists - January 1,
1802 |
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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. |
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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. |
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