Americans are quite proud of our long standing commitment, as a nation, to the separation of Church and State, although very few truly understand what that constitutional guarantee guarantees. For many it translates to "I can do whatever I want as long as it is in the name of religion and the State can't stop me (most especially if it is 'Christian'.)"It doesn't mean that at all. This is what the Establishment Clause (so known in constitutional circles) says
.Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. .
... .or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
The US Congress cannot pass legislation that establishes one religion as the State's (that is, nation's) religion nor giving preferential treatment to one religion or religious practice over others. It has nothing to do with what you think or practice (with some notable exceptions like female mutilation). It has to do with the State, the government and the public space. You are free to practice your religion as you understand it. The State cannot force you to sacrifice your child because some religious cult somewhere thinks it is a good idea. The State cannot force you to shave your head because some religious sects believe women are better off that way. The State cannot force you to grow your beard once you marry as do the Amish. The state can, however, set standards for hygiene in barber and beauty shops.
The separation of Church and State is about public space and legal requirements that compel individuals to engage in particular behavior. In general, as long as individuals have the free choice to decide for themselves then the State has not violated this particular clause of the Bill of Rights.
Leading prayer in a public school was found to be suspect since those students who chose to abstain were ostracized. That is not a free choice. For those who find that argument suspect, consider the possibility that the teacher leading the prayer is a Wiccan or Muslim or Spiritualist. Who do you want leading the prayers your children are being asked to pray?
Also note that Congress is asked to perfectly balance potential consequences that appear to be establishing religion with the individual's right to exercise their religion freely. It is a balancing act and over time the Supreme Court has used a variety of 'tests' to decide if given legislation violates the Bill of Rights on one side or the other. This is but a cursory glance at the complexity of constitutional law, but may help you understand the categories that are used for this discussion.
It is good that many are talking and reading about these issues because of the recent Supreme Court decision in the Hobby Lobby case. You can read the entire decision at www.supremecourt.gov. Let's get better at having substantive discussion around these kinds of questions, but let's start by informing ourselves.
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