"Separation of Church and State" is the most misunderstood phrase in America today. We've forgotten history, and before our very eyes we are repeating it.
Our ancestors in this 'New World' were puritans, they were not escaping a 'Church ran Government', but a 'Government ran Church!' The King of England made himself Pope of the Church of England and killed anyone that didn't agree with him.
This was the fear of the founding Fathers who wrote the Constitution, government taking over religion!
We petition the Federal Government to stop using the it's power through the manipulation of taxes and fines to manipulate and control Pastors, Priests, ect to (for example) not talk about politics or other hot button issues. Therefore allowing the populous, by majority vote, to control our religion.