History of Separation of Church and State

Jagger

Well-Known Member
Here's an interesting historical event regarding religion and the U. S. Government:

Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1855-1856
WEDNESDAY, January 23, 1856

Mr. Dowdell submitted the following preamble and resolutions; which were read, and, under the operation of the previous question, agreed to, viz:

Whereas the people of these United States, from their earliest history to the present time, have been led by the hand of a kind Providence, and are indebted for the countless blessings of the past and present, and dependent for continued prosperity in the future upon Almighty God; and whereas the great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it eminently becomes the representatives of a people so highly favored, to acknowledge, in the most public manner, their reverence for God: Therefore,

Resolved, first, That the daily sessions of this body be opened with prayer.

Resolved, second, That the ministers of the gospel in this city are hereby requested to attend and alternately perform this solemn duty.
Notice how the House finessed the matter to avoid daily prayer and put the blame of the ministers of the gospel, none of whom ever volunteered to perform the duty.
 
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