yesterday, MMario said: "Our constitution states that Congress shall make no laws preventing the free excercise of religion."

This is true, and it is a fundamental part of our system....but so is the part that says matters of church & state shall be kept separate. This means that, unlike in the UK House of Lords, the government may not endorse any specific religion. Unfortunately, there IS a de facto endorsement of Christianity in practice.

It is understood that Christianity is practiced by a majority of US citizens, but the full clause in the Constitution reads ""Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .".
This would seem to mean that any genuine religion may be practiced, but NOT imposed on those who may practice another religion, and **by implication**, does not require anyone to practice any religion.
This seems simple & fair enough, but I hear constantly from those who assert that 'this country was founded by Christians, and as such is a Christian nation and thus Christian principles and beliefs DO have a place in the laws, ceremonies and general fabric of our country.'
I don't know what to say except that this is NOT what the Constitution says! It is not even totally accurate to describe many of the founders as **Christians**. The very concept of "separation of church & state" was a basic principle introduced by Thomas Jefferson.

These days I hear almost daily of some very conservative member of Congress making some pronouncement about policy and defending his attitude by reference to the Bible. I have little doubt that many of our legislators, especially from the South, would happily write laws specifically based on their religious beliefs.

   In my 14 years on Mudcat, I have posted many times the admonition that: "Freedom OF religion must, if it is be consistent, include Freedom FROM religion for those who wish it."
   Sadly, this concept is just lost on many. It is hard to maintain my dedication to defending their rights when they have no interest in even recognizing mine.