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Jefferson responded to this letter in a letter of his own. That letter stated, .
"I believe that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, and he owes account to no one else except himself for his faith and his worship.".
Legislative powers of government can reach actions only and they can not force anyone into religion. He believed that the legislature should not make any law to force religion upon people, building a wall between Church and State (Lauren MacLeod). Jefferson's declaration of a wall between Church and State expressed opinions that the federal government didn't have the authority to force these laws on people. He did not question the validity of religious beliefs, but he created this wall to protect religious freedom of beliefs from the potential of one federally recognized religion. Jefferson clearly shutdown the federal domination of religion through one established church. After Jefferson created the Separation of Church and State he went on to found the University of Virginia. In the newly made universities pamphlet of regulations read one section that stated that no compulsory attendance should be required on prayers or services (MacLeod). Jefferson made many friends and enemies with these actions, but never the less it was the start to a long and controversial issue.
Jefferson's opinions were that of being against the state dictating religious practices in school. Another politician however believes other wise on this issue. Newt Gingrich who was the speaker elect of the House of Representatives had intentions to push for an amend to the U.S. Constitution on the subject of voluntary school prayer. His proposal states that "nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions." "No person shall be required by the United States or by any State to participate in prayer (The American Civil Liberties Union).
