separation of church and state

Cultural  

1. The principle that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality toward religion. Many view separation of church and state as required by the First Amendment (see also First Amendment). The First Amendment not only allows citizens the freedom to practice any religion of their choice, but also prevents the government from officially recognizing or favoring any religion.

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The relationship between church and state has been extremely controversial since the first settlers arrived in America to escape religious persecution in Europe, and many cases involving the issue have reached the Supreme Court.

Interpretation of the principle has been ambiguous: for instance, the Supreme Court has recently upheld laws prohibiting prayer in the schools but has permitted the construction of Nativity scenes on government property. (See also established church (see also established church) and freedom of religion.)

Example Sentences

Similar to the concept of America's "separation of church and state", proponents of laïcité believe that state institutions should be religiously neutral.

From BBC

In the most recent episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick unpacks how Christian nationalism made its way into the U.S. government with Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

From Slate

I love being a Jew and a Reform Jew, and I also believe profoundly in the separation of church and state.

From Slate

So this isn’t just about the fact that the justices on the court have a religion, because there are a lot of people who have a religion who believe profoundly in the separation of church and state.

From Slate

Our original name many years ago was “Protestants and other Americans for separation of church and state.”

From Slate