Church & State?

Quick Question: First off, let me say to each his own beliefs. Having said that... I don't feel it's proper to imposed and force anyone's beliefs on others. What ever happened to the founding fathers proposal... separation of church and state? Which always sounded good, but in reality overlapped in many areas... that continue to be ever increasing and invasive today. Why does the church's religious beliefs influence such heated debate and government involvement to dictate laws to be imposed on all the citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, or lack thereof. Church's and their followers have the right to have their beliefs... But, where did everyone, as in all of us, loose our freedom of choice, that the beliefs of some, should be imposed on all? ... and where will it stop? Religions worry about loosing power to influence followers... so the government is the continuing puppet for religions to control everyone and force their beliefs on all. Perhaps the government, or more importantly the "Constitution" and the "Bill of Rights" should limit the influence of the church's... Namely our FREEDOM OF CHOICE! Then we wouldn't have endless debates on issues that should remain"personal choices". How does anyone defend any body of influence imposing their beliefs on everyone.