And ironically, the seperation of church and state in England is far more pronounced now than it currently seems in America (though this is merely my personal observation from way over the pond here). I have heard tales of laws being passed because they satisfy the beliefs of a particular faith (laws against contraception in some states, for example) whereas here that sort of thing would never be allowed to happen.
As an aside, I do have my own opinions on the historical imperative of countries formed by revolution...