A Call to Uphold the Separation of Church and State

In a time when civic unity and equal treatment under the law are more crucial than ever, the Berrien County Democratic Party is urging leaders and citizens alike to reaffirm their commitment to the separation of church and state — a founding principle of American democracy.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects both freedom of religion and freedom from religious imposition. This dual protection ensures that individuals can freely practice their faith — or choose not to — without government interference or favoritism. Preserving this boundary is not just a legal necessity; it’s a moral imperative that reinforces pluralism, fairness, and civic peace.

“Democracy thrives when the government remains neutral toward religion,” said Amy Scrima, chair of the Berrien County Democratic Party. “The separation of church and state safeguards the rights of all Americans, regardless of belief, and allows both religious communities and public institutions to flourish without undue influence or conflict.”

From public schools to policymaking, keeping religious doctrine out of official decisions ensures that the laws and services that govern our lives remain inclusive and equitable for all. History shows that when these lines blur, minority groups often bear the brunt of discrimination, while civic trust erodes.

The separation of church and state is essential because it protects both religious freedom and democratic integrity. Here’s why that boundary matters so much:

Protects Individual Rights

• Ensures people can practice any religion—or none at all—without government interference.

• Prevents the state from favoring one faith over another, which could marginalize minority beliefs.

Preserves Government Neutrality

• Keeps laws and policies grounded in secular reasoning, not religious doctrine.

• Avoids religious influence in public institutions like schools, courts, and legislatures.

Promotes Social Harmony

• Encourages pluralism by allowing diverse beliefs to coexist peacefully.

• Reduces the risk of religious conflict or coercion in civic life.

Strengthens Public Education

• Prevents state-sponsored prayer or religious instruction in public schools, making them inclusive for all students.

Upholds Constitutional Principles

• The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause form the legal foundation for this separation.

• Thomas Jefferson famously described it as a “wall of separation” to protect conscience from government control.

In short, this principle isn’t anti-religion—it’s pro-freedom. It ensures that faith remains a personal choice, not a political mandate. Want to explore how this plays out in schools, courts, or recent legal cases? I’ve got plenty more where that came from.

“It is obvious to anyone paying attention that the Republican Party is attempting to blur the line separating church and state”, said Laura Goos, Vice Chair of the BCDP.

As legal and political landscapes continue to evolve, The Berrien County Democratic Party calls on communities nationwide to stand united in defense of this foundational value — not as a barrier to belief, but as a bulwark against inequality.

by Paul Orlando

Berrien County, MI