That wording is not in the Constitution, Amendments, or any Law passed by Congress. The wording was in a letter to a Connecticut Baptist Congregation written by Thomas Jefferson while serving as President. They were fighting Puritan controlled State legislature aimed at restricting their religious freedom and sought assurance the Federal Government was not endorsing the same. It is clear in the context of the two letters that Jefferson meant the State should not interfere in church affairs, but did not restrict the church from expressing their views on the State.
Evidently the Bible is not a religion. Jefferson, while President, was concerned about the poor education of Washington DC children. The Government purchased Bibles as instructional material for the school children. Congress did not see government supported missionaries to the Indians as religious activity. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 concerning the governance of the area west of the Appalachians and north of the Ohio River included financial resources for missionary activities.
Prior to the U.S. Constitution each State was dominated by a religious Sect. Virginia and New England States had state religions. To serve in office a person had to be a member of the State Sect. The first amendment was to keep such requirements out of the Federal Government.
This worked fine until John Kennedy concerned about the lag in the space race, set up educational initiatives to increase math and science ability in high schools. Federal money flowed into the local schools. Federal money used in a school where prayer was required became the nexus for a law suit. The Supreme Court decision cited Jefferson's separation wording in upholding the lower court ruling banning prayer.
That precedent has led to ousting of our Christian heritage from public venues. Further, God himself is now a religion and ousted.
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