Colonists didn't move here to escape religious persecution. The Puritans specifically did so, but they became the repressive, rigid, witch burning group that terrorized the landscape in the 17th century. This has long been a nation founded on religious principles and it would be another 250+ years until Jefferson even touched on separation of church and state. And his concept of separation was much different than the common interpretation. The colonists came from Canada and Britain to establish new colonies; they did so with the blessing and contracts of royalty. They weren't rebels, they were loyal subjects until Britain did what it does and put its foot on the neck of a struggling new land.
I am in full agreement - pray if you like, but be respectful of others. But you'll have to find different reasoning for that one.
