Richmond, USA - Nearly one in three Americans believe that freedom of religion is the second most important Constitutional guarantee, ranking behind only freedom of speech, according to a new survey.
But a national phone survey by the Council for America's First Freedom shows half of those polled are not overly concerned about the separation of church and state.
In the council's second annual survey, which included 1,000 Americans over 18, a combined 50 percent of respondents said the separation between religion and government should either be less strictly interpreted or is not necessary at all.
Fifty-four percent said they would support designated time in public schools for students to pray aloud or in groups, a figure that rises to 66 percent for either silent or after-school prayer.
"There exists a striking paradox between how Americans regard two elements related to religious liberty -- the right to worship (or not) as we see fit and the separation of church and state," said Tommy Baer, president of the nonprofit organization. "The results of this survey reflect a conflicted citizenry on this issue."
Despite the inconsistencies, an overwhelming number of those surveyed conveyed an appreciation of the nation's religious diversity. When asked whether the United States would be better off if everyone practiced the same religion, only one in 10 answered in the affirmative.