Founding Fathers, Past Presidents - Voices on Religion, Faith and Community

Throughout history, numerous world leaders have emphasized the importance of religion, faith, and community in shaping societies. Here are some insightful quotes from notable figures around the globe:

Thomas Jefferson: "Our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry."

Abraham Lincoln: "My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right."

Theodore Roosevelt: "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."

Benjamin Franklin: "Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped."

Lee Kwan Yew: "I have always believed that a multi-racial society cannot afford to allow the religious practices and beliefs of one community to encroach on those of another."

Nelson Mandela: "Religion is one of the most powerful weapons in the struggle for social justice." and "Without the church, without religious institutions, I would never have been here today."

Kwame Nkrumah: "We face neither East nor West; we face forward." While not explicitly about religion, this quote underscores the progressive vision often supported by faith communities.

Winston Churchill: "All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. These stem from the teachings of the Bible."

Mahatma Gandhi: "Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is."

These leaders have recognized the significant role that faith and religious institutions play in fostering community, justice, and social progress. Their words continue to inspire and guide discussions on the intersection of religion and public life.