Separation prevents the government from determining church policy, whether directly or indirectly.
John M SwomleyChurches are healthier and stronger if they assume responsibility both for financing their own programs and for stimulating their members to accept that responsibility.
John M SwomleyGovernment sponsorship of religious activity, including prayer services, sacred symbols, religious festivals, and the like, tends to secularize the religious activity rather than make government more ethical or religious.
John M SwomleySince separation precludes financial support or special privilege from government, the churches are free to engage in prophetic criticism of the government and to work for social justice.
John M Swomley