The phrase “separation of church and state” was mainly a response to Britain’s government. the church held great power and authority through its relationship with the government, which angered American colonists before the revolution since most were Protestants. With the Establishment Clause, the first clause of the Bill of Rights, individuals could bring their own religious convictions freely. Essentially, religion and churches did not control the government, or have the authority to make decisions as such. Hope this helped!