Church/state separation crucial

To the editor:Some letter writers and others express frustration and disappointment that religion does not play a larger role in our government. These critics overlook the fact that our Founders and their ancestors who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries and established the first great experiment in democracy came here to escape the civil and religious tyranny in their native European countries. That explains why "The Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" was inserted in the Constitution.

This principle of separation has been an important contributor to the success of the experiment over these past two and a half centuries. It is equally crucial that it be retained as we enter the age of terrorism.

BILL D. BURLISON, Advance, Mo.