The Right of Conscience

Letters from an American vor 4 Monaten

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Letters from an American

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A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.

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June 8, 2026

On June 8, 1789, James Madison of Virginia introduced a series of
amendments to the US Constitution, Ten of his amendments would
eventually be adopted and become the Bill of Rights, One of the
amendments said that no national religion would be established
and the full and equal rights of conscience would not be
infringed, Madison cared deeply about keeping the government away
from religion, believing that representative government was at
stake, The reality of these concerns is playing out today,
Defense Secretary Hegseth has removed about 180 faith traditions
from the list recognized by the Department of Defense, 31
religions are still recognized, 22 of them are Christian
denominations, Mormons were originally left off the list, but
after an appeal by Sen Mike Lee of Utah to the president, it
appears poised to be included, Madison and those who passed and
ratified the Bill of Rights believed that to make people’s
religion - their right of conscience - depend on the approval of
the president would destroy self-government.

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