Jeremy Roberts' observation that there is nothing in the Constitution or Bill of Rights regarding the separation of church and state is only correct as far as it goes ("LDS and racism," Forum, June 23). The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The injunction against "an establishment of religion," as interpreted by the judicial branch, is a two-edged sword. It not only prevents the government from establishing a religion, but it also attempts to prevent, not always successfully, religious groups from imposing their beliefs (i.e., school prayer) on others.

The Founding Fathers wisely framed the Constitution as a completely secular document, avoiding all mention of God, Christianity or any other religion. Indeed, many of them did not claim to be Christians per se, but were Deists and Freemasons, among other things. Presumably, they saw religion as a divisive force that, in its worst excesses, led to civil and international strife. We need only look to the modern-day examples of Iraq, Lebanon and Ireland to see the wisdom of those First Amendment guarantees.

Rodney Johnson

Salt Lake City