Why did Georges Danton oppose separating church and state?

Georges Danton’s opposition to the separation of church and state was primarily a strategic effort to stabilize the French Revolution and curb the influence of radical extremists.

In late 1793, Danton emerged as the leader of the Indulgents, a moderate faction that sought to end the excesses of the Reign of Terror. As part of this moderate platform, he vigorously opposed the anti-Christian movement led by radicals like Jacques Hébert, who sought to dismantle Roman Catholic institutions. By opposing the abolition of salaries for constitutional priests—a move that would have effectively separated the church from state support—Danton aimed to slow the government's revolutionary drive and prevent the total alienation of the populace.12

His stance was not necessarily rooted in a theological defense of the church, but rather in a political desire to consolidate the government, protect his allies, and counter the "extreme terror" promoted by his political rivals.1