Where would you say it is appropriate for the church to be in the state? Is there a line where it should stop?
Firstly, there is nothing written in the U.S. Constitution dividing Church & State. In actuality, the 1st Amendment does limit the state regarding its stance on religion. It says
"... Congress shall make no law establishing religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble... ."
Therefore, per the U.S. Constitution, it is impossible for the Church to be a part of the state at all. However, the Church does... have the ability to 'influence' the state, simply because the state is not allowed to prohibit religious activity, or the free exercise thereof.
This is why U.S. Congress begins its sessions with a Christian prayer by a pastor, which is actually a part of the staff employed by Congress. It is not a written rule in the Constitution, but was agreed upon by the Congressional founders, and the tradition has still continued to this day.
In the round portico of the White House hangs several oil paintings of early U.S. Presidents that were also pastors, and the picture scene is of their holding Sunday Church service inside that White House portico for the public. The United States of America began as a Christian Nation, and still is in majority a Christian Nation as far as I'm concerned.
Oh, and the present law against pastors in a Church preaching support for political candidates is ILLEGAL per the U.S. Constitution. That false law is essentially a violation of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, because it is the state prohibiting the free exercise of religion. So pastors, preach support for political candidates as you see fit. It's the right of free speech in the U.S. per the 1st Amendment.
