To: goldworldnet who wrote (230486 ) 12/5/2007 4:29:02 PM From: Condo Read Replies (1) | Respond to most of the states already had their own state religions Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom (1786), Jefferson was protecting citizens, including atheists and nonbelievers, from both church and state based on "the natural rights of mankind". He was guarding against a government assessment on individuals to maintain the Anglican Church in the state of Virginia. Big fight, one of his proudest achievements. Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities. religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu
