[rwfromkansas]

If you read the founders, they have a strong belief in restriction on action by federal govt. authorities. However, the states are basically given free reign. Even so, even at the federal level, Jefferson and MAdison went to church in the govt. building of Congress. Church was held there! At least Jefferson gave federal funds to missionaries to build churches on Indian lands. If this isn't giving preference to one religion over another, I don't know what is. Note that this occurred after the First Amendment.

Hence, Jefferson and Madison supporting bills to punish Sabbath breakers in Virignia (they actually introduced the bill, which passed and remained on the books well after the First Amendment).

[johnb838]

I believe Madison was an Episcopal Bishop as well.