In the American colonies, the document that called for the religious freedom is the Virginia declaration of rights.
On June 12, 1776 the Virginia colonial constitutional convention adopted the Virginia declaration of right. The declaration of right had sixteen sections and listed certain liberties that cannot be taken away by the government. Such liberties include freedom of the press and the freedom of exercise of religion.
Further Explanation
Towards the end of the eighteen century, Virginia and Massachusetts were the two colonies that championed the course for independence of the United States. Many prominent leaders were produced by the colony and these leaders play a vital role in the American Revolution. These leaders include Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington.
These leaders led the struggle for political independence and this also resulted to the disestablishment of the Anglican Church thereby granting all the citizens the right to choose their religious belief. The Anglican Church was the official religion in the colony during those eras.
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were the two among the founding fathers that played a crucial role in the 1786 enactment of the landmark Virginia Act for establishing religious freedom. The Virginia act had a great influence on the new constitution that was adopted by the states in 1789. LEARN MORE:
KEYWORDS:
- Virginia declaration of rights
- James Madison
- Thomas Jefferson
- religious freedom
