The First Amendment With more than 1,500 different religious bodies, and 360,000 churches, mosques and synagogues, the U.S. is the most religiously diverse, and one of the most devout countries in the world. Moreover, we enjoy unparalleled religious liberty, and sectarian strife is relatively rare. Today, however, religious extremists are attempting to impose their beliefs and practices on everyone else by enlisting the government's support and aid. These efforts, if successful, will threaten each individual's right to worship, or not worship, as he or she pleases.
Some people mistakenly believe that separation of church and state implies hostility to religion.
But in fact, the opposite is true. The Constitution's framers understood very well that religious liberty can flourish only if the government leaves religion alone. The free exercise clause of the First Amendment guarantees the right to practice one's religion free of government interference. The establishment clause requires the separation of church and state. Combined, they ensure religious liberty.