Every new and successful example, therefore, of a perfect separation between the ecclesiastical and civil matters, is of importance; and I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and Government will both exist in greater purity the less they are mixed together.

James Madison (1751-1836) American statesman, political theorist, US President (1809-17)

Letter to Edward Livingston (10 Jul 1822)