There is a strong argument that separation of church and state helps maintain freedom of religion. By preventing the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over others, it ensures that individuals are free to practice their faith (or no faith) without coercion or discrimination. This separation also protects religious institutions from government interference, allowing them to operate independently and according to their own beliefs.
However, some argue that a strict separation can hinder religious expression in the public sphere and limit the role of faith in public life. They believe that religion can offer valuable moral guidance and contribute to the common good, and that its exclusion from the public square can be detrimental to society.
Different interpretations of separation of church and state exist, leading to ongoing debates about its application and impact on religious freedom.