For most atheists, an important issue for when it comes to the presidential election is the candidates' position on the separation of church and state. It's not the only issue, that is true, but it is a very important issue. We've heard about where Howard Dean stands, same with Joe Lieberman. I've reported before on Wesley Clark's feelings, but he recently had more to say on the subject.

JTA reports:

Reverence for the separation of church and state is also central to American patriotism. Freedom of religion is a founding principle of our nation that has been attracting people to our shores for centuries. That’s why I believe that federally supported programs should be free from entanglement with religion. Faith-based social programs do excellent work, providing much-needed social services around the country. But the Bush administration crossed the line with its activist stance on faith-based initiatives, which have the potential to use federal funds to encourage religion.

As president, I plan to keep the business of government separate from matters of faith. That is one of the reasons why I oppose school vouchers. Like both Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, I grew up in the South, and faith was central to my daily life. It remains so today. My faith leads me to believe that the United States should use its potential for good in the world — to prevent genocide, fight the spread of AIDS and ease the epidemic of hunger.

That's all very good to read - he doesn't want religion to become entangled with government programs or for the government to fund religion - and he thinks that Bush's faith-based initiatives go too far on those counts.

Read More:

• Secularism 101
• Separation of Church and State 101