Translation = "The legislative body of the U.S. shall not make any laws having reference to a public or private institution of religion."

The word "respecting" is a key word. A better translation that reflects the framers intent (easily attainable through other documents, journals, etc...) would be:

Translation = "The legislative body of the U.S. shall not make any laws concerning a public or private institution of religion."

Congress (and indirectly the court system) has no jurisdiction where matters of religion are concerned. In the enumerated powers and limitations of Congress, nowhere is given the power to "police" the use of religion in any form, public or private.

I know exactly how the court system has twisted it to fit their agenda, but in it's pure form, the phrase above simply states that religion is not going to be controlled or prohibited by the government in any way.

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~ John