separation of church and state

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.)

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Her decision is rooted not only in religious freedom, but also in the separation of church and state—in the principle that states can’t pick winners and losers because of how a religion practices its faith.

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I think there is real value in Sotomayor shoring up the separation of church and state.

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The Supreme Court deadlocked on one of its biggest cases of the term on Thursday, delaying—for now—another blow to the separation of church and state.

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For the time being, however, Thursday’s decision is as big a victory as anyone can expect from this court for the separation of church and state.

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Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, applauded the outcome.

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separation negative separation of powers

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