I have written before, and I now repeat: The U.S. Government must not undertake to run the churches. When an individual, in a church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest he must be checked; but the churches, as such, must take care of themselves. It will not do for the U.S. to appoint Trustees, Supervisors, or other agents for the churches. I add, that if the Military have military need for the church building let them keep it; otherwise let them get out of it, and leave its owners alone, except for causes that justify the arrest of anyone.
A. Lincoln
March 4, 1864