It is my firm belief that there should be separation of church and state in the United States — that is, that both church and state should be free to operate, without interference from each other in their respective areas of jurisdiction. We live in a liberal, democratic society which embraces wide varieties of belief and disbelief. There is no doubt in my mind that the pluralism which has developed under our Constitution, providing as it does a framework within which diverse opinions can exist side by side and by their interaction enrich the whole, is the most ideal system yet devised by man. I cannot conceive of a set of circumstances which would lead me to a different conclusion.

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) US President (1961-63)
Letter to Glenn L. Archer (23 Feb 1959)

 
Added on 27-Sep-11 | Last updated 27-Sep-11
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