I believe in the separation of church and state and would not use my authority to violate this principle in any way.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of keeping religious institutions separate from government affairs.
Jimmy Carter's quote reflects a foundational principle of democratic governance, advocating for the separation of church and state. It underscores the belief that governmental authority should not be influenced by religious beliefs, ensuring that all citizens can coexist in a pluralistic society free from religious coercion in political matters.
In practice
In a discussion about religious freedom and government policy.
Acknowledging the physical realities of our planet does not mean a dismal future of endless sacrifice. In fact, acknowledging these realities is the first step in dealing with them. We can meet the resource problems of the world - water, food, minerals, farmlands, forests, overpopulation, pollution - if we tackle them with courage and foresight.
The preeminent obstacle to peace is Israel's colonization of Palestine.
I would say the biggest handicap we have right now is some nutcases in our country that don't believe in global warming. I think they are going to change their position because of pressure from individuals, because the evidence of the ravages of global warming is already there.
If I were president, I'd be very glad to see the Palestinians have a nation recognized by the United Nations. There's no downside to it.
My understanding of racial discrimination as a child was highly distorted because the most prominent man in Archery was an African-American bishop. When he came home from up north, where he was in charge of A.M.E. churches in five states, it was front-page news. He was the most successful man in my life.
Our American values are not luxuries but necessities, not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad, greater than the bounty of our material blessings.
Here is a tree rooted in African soil, nourished with waters from the rivers of Afrika. Come and sit under its shade and become, with us, the leaves of the same branch and the branches of the same tree
Perhaps the enemies of liberty are such only because they judge it by its loud voice.
Who included me among the ranks of the human race?
Foreign Assistance is not an end in itself. The purpose of aid must be to create the conditions where it's no longer need.
The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.
The world is full of judgment-days, and into every assembly that a man enters, in every action he attempts, he is gauged and stamped.
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