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The First Amendment of the United States Constitution was established to protect the freedom of religion: “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The founding fathers understood that society would only prosper in an environment that was free of expression of religious beliefs. Religious minorities greatly appreciated that the liberties secured by the Constitution meant that they could enjoy safety laws against the interference of the state. Catholics recognized this and wrestled with the tensions between religious freedom and the need to preserve dogma and discipline within the Church.