Jefferson more to the point

To the editor:

In his article celebrating “Patrick Henry: Defender of Christian Liberty” (June 16), pastor Ron Hamman would do well to direct his readers and his Baptist flock to Thomas Jefferson as well. In 1801 when the oft persecuted Baptists of Danbury, Conn., wrote to the Deist Jefferson to congratulate him on his election as president as well as to ask for assurances of their freedom to practice their religious beliefs. Jefferson coined in his letter of response the phrase, “A wall of separation between church and state.”

The Baptists thrived in America due to this “wall,” and now find themselves the majority Christian sect, particularly in the American South. This makes pastor Hamman’s statement, “If you enjoy your freedom of religion, thank a Baptist,” somewhat ironical. For once they achieved majority status in many states, Baptists wasted no time ignoring the “wall” they were once so thankful for, imposing forced sectarian religious observance and devotional activities in public schools as well as local and state governments. What a difference a couple hundred years make.

Bill Siedler

Wasilla