Baptists have helped shape debate about religious freedom for over 400 years – up to today’s 10 Commandments laws

The phrase ‘separation of church and state’ dates back to a letter from Thomas Jefferson to a Baptist congregation.

By: Christopher Schelin, Starr King School for the Ministry , The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 24, 2026

Words: 1,325

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

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By Christopher Schelin, Starr King School for the Ministry

Louisiana can proceed with a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, according to a federal court decision on Feb. 20, 2026. The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals voted that it is too early to determine whether the requirement violates the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects religious liberty and prohibits the government from establishing religion. The judges heard …

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