The term "separation of church and state", even though it is now locked solidly in our national lexicon, is NOT found in the US Constitution. The concept itself is NOT found anywhere in there. The Constitution only states that there will not be an official govt-sponsored religion. This was, in itself, considered very different in the late 1700's. Every other country had a particular religion that the king supported (or that supported the king), and others were usually barely tolerated (if tolerated at all). Ben, George and Friends decided that in the USA any religion would be allowed, or no religion, if you preferred to be an atheist. It was the first truly tolerant government. This did NOT mean that no mention of God was allowed, etc. "We are endowed by our Creator...." etc. It simply means that the Pres cannot make the Methodist Church the official church of the land, or such.

__________________