[campaignPete R-CT]

I am sure the author is using the term “the Church” in the wider meaning of “all Christians”. Considering that he is writing about the U.S., he sure doesn’t mean “Catholic Church”.

[blackbart.223]

"I am sure the author is using the term “the Church” in the wider meaning of “all Christians”. Considering that he is writing about the U.S., he sure doesn’t mean “Catholic Church”.

I didn't specify Catholic. The Puritans conducted witch hunts that resulted in innocent people being killed. Please don't misunderstand me about this. Freedom of religion is paramount to liberty but I don't want that to be the basis of it. Too many things can go wrong there.