The Northwest Ordinance

“ An Ordinance for the government ofthe Territory of the United States northwest of the River Ohio”
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson

It was originally approved by Congress July 13, 1787 and re-passed by the Founding Fathers following the U.S. Constitution’s ratification. On August 7, 1789, President George Washington signed it into law-during the same time Congress was laying down the First Amendment. It had a four-fold purpose:
First, that each would enter the union "on an equal footing with the original states."
Second, that revenue generated from the sale of a portion of each township in the state would go to fund public education---
Third, "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude" were to be allowed.
Fourth, that a good faith effort would be made to respect the Indians in the territory

“Article. 3. Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

Did you see that? Thomas Jefferson wrote this and he said that Religion, [along with morality and knowledge] is necessary for 1) good government 2) happiness 3) schools. And for these reasons, religion shall forever be encouraged in those three areas!!! Thomas Jefferson spent his career promoting religion in government and schools.