Christ Church United Methodist Sutton WV - Volume 2  Issue 8   July 2007

We, therefore, the Representatives of the
united States of America, in General Congress,
Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the
world for the rectitude of our intentions, do,
in the Name, and by the Authority of the good
People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and
declare, That these United Colonies are, and of
Right ought to be Free and Independent States;
that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to
the British Crown, and that all political
connection between them and the State of Great
Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved;
and that as Free and Independent States, they
have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace,
contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to
do all other Acts and Things which Independent
States may of right do. And for the support of
this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the
protection of divine Providence, we mutually
pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and
our sacred Honor.

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom
of speech, or of the press; or the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition
the Government for a redress of grievances.