Separation of Church & State Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Separation of Church & State Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Separation of Church & State Week is observed on November 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Separation of Church & State Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Separation of Church & State Week.

📅 What day is Separation of Church & State Week 2024?

In 2024, Separation of Church & State Week is on Monday, November 20th. It is the 3rd Monday in November; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about November 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Separation of Church and State Week is observed during the week of Thanksgiving as a secular response to National Bible Week. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (AU) and the Institute for First Amendment Studies (IFAS) have designated this week to challenge the belief that “we are one nation, under God,” emphasizing instead that we are one nation governed by our constitution. The entire week, starting from the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is dedicated to promoting the secular principles of the American republic and raising awareness about legal remedies for individuals affected by church-state infringements.

📜 Separation of Church & State Week History

The phrase “separation of church and state” was first used by President Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Baptists in Danbury, Connecticut in 1802. In the letter, Jefferson emphasized that religion is a personal matter between individuals and their God. He rejected the idea of a national church and pointed to the United States Bill of Rights as a guarantee of religious freedom without government interference. The Bill of Rights, added to the Constitution in 1791, was one of the earliest expressions of religious liberty in government. The Johnson Amendment, passed in 1954, further reinforced the concept of separating church and state. Activists, liberals, and intellectuals also play a role in educating the public about the importance of this separation in preserving individuals’ freedom of religious choice. Organizations like American Atheists, The Freedom From Religion Foundation, and the American Humanist Association work to protect the rights of those whose religious freedom has been violated.

✅ Separation of Church & State Week Facts

🔖 It’s a Christian party in Congress
Although Christians make up only 65% of the population in the United States, a significant majority of 89% of Congress members have consistently identified as Christians.

🔖 Bible and Bills? It’s a tough choice
Just 50% of Americans think that the Bible should not have any impact on the laws created by Congress.

🔖 The constitution and the crisis
Although the United States Constitution does not mention the term “God,” it is worth noting that every state constitution does include this term.

👍 Why Is Separation of Church & State Week Important

The value of religious liberty is highlighted during Separation of Church and State Week. Millions of individuals have been persecuted and killed in the past because of their religious beliefs. Creating a republic in which religious freedom is a fundamental human right cannot be taken for granted.

According to a 2019 study performed by the American United for the Separation of Church and State, more than 60% of Americans consider the separation of government and religion to be one of their top concerns.

In the United States, there have been several incidents of discriminatory treatment based on religion, such as the Colorado bakery that refused to produce a cake for a lesbian couple in 2018. Americans must band together to combat all forms of prejudice, and Separation of Church and State Week provides an excellent chance to do so.

🙂 How To Observe Separation of Church & State Week

⚡ Share the message

⚡ Educate the people
Multiple organizations are working voluntarily to address violations of the separation between religion and state. In November, there is an opportunity to educate individuals about their inherent rights and the importance of safeguarding the First Amendment.

⚡ Volunteer with an action group
Share your understanding of the Separation of Church and State on social media. Remember to use the hashtag #SeparationOfChurchAndState.

📅 When is Separation of Church & State Week?

You can view all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Christian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Separation of Church & State Week. So be sure to check back soon.