What is meant by the separation of church and state?

Answer 1

Both church and state are separate entities, each having its own governing body. The only time the government or state have cause to act is when some offense by a church member or the church itself contradicts the laws of that state. If a man murders or steals then the church takes its own action, but then the person must face the legal requirements of the states laws.

Answer 2

Separation of church and state means a number of things. Most importantly, the nation (state) does not control or regulate the legal activities of churches, and conversely, the churches do not hold to themselves the right to control the actions of the government, nor to approve or disallow laws passed, or proposed to be passed, by the government. It means that the government and its employees do not support one religious belief in preference to any other belief and do not provide religious instruction. However, this notion does not mean that the state should actively discourage any form of religious beliefs. The state may choose to provide tax relief or financial benefits to religious organisations, as long as there is no discrimination from one religious group to another.

In its broadest sense, the word 'church' includes any religious organisation, including non-Christian religions.

Answer 3

Religus rights