To the editor:
The following was a letter sent by then President Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association, Jan. 1, 1802. The source that I am citing is the Library of Congress and is noted as the final letter as sent. Feel free to check the source yourself if you wish.
"To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.
"Gentlemen,
"Affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction, my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
"I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurance of my high respect and esteem."
"Signed "Th. Jefferson January 1, 1802 "
This clearly states the original intent of one of the key authors of the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States. If we are in pursuit of original intent, then at least let us use their own words for clarification and answers to outstanding questions.
Alan Chack
Fermanagh Township
