Colonial Period

Continental Congress, Declaration and Resolves, October 14, 1774

May 23, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Continental Congress October 14, 1774 In describing the colonies’ grievances, the Continental Congress cited the Quebec Act, which gave religious freedom to Catholics In Canada. Also the act passed in the same session for establishing the Roman Catholic religion, in the province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of English laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great danger (from so total a dissimilarity of religion, law and government) of the neighbouring British colonies, by the assistance of whose…

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Congressional Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, November 1, 1777

May 23, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Continental Congress November 1, 1777 During the War of Independence, the Continental Congress approved several proclamations of prayer. At this point, the proclamations were overtly Christian (“through the Merits of Jesus Christ”). This proclamation, like others, not only thanks for God’s support in the war but also asked for His forgiveness the Colonists “manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favour” from God. IN CONGRESS November 1, 1777 FORASMUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore…

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Congressional Prayer Proclamation, 1779

May 23, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Continental Congress March 20, 1779 With the war grinding on In to Its fourth year, this Congressional prayer proclamation evoked a somber tone about the “calamitous” war. They asked for Divine guidance to their commander In chief and asked God to be “be our Shield in the Day of Battle.” March 20, 1779 WHEREAS, in just Punishment of our manifold Transgressions, it hath pleased the Supreme Disposer of all Events to visit these United States with a calamitous War, through…

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Articles of Confederation, 1781

May 23, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Continental Congress March 1, 1781 This is the charter that organized the new nation prior to the ratification of the Constitution. Note the final paragraph. While the Constitution that followed made no mention of God, the Articles of Confederation said that the passage of these act happened because “the Great Governor of the World” had guided the legislatures — Inclined “their hearts” — to support the union. To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the under signed Delegates…

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The Articles of Association, Continental Congress, October 20, 1774

May 22, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

The Continental Congress October 20, 1774 In this declaration resolved to boycott British tea and launch several other acts of protest. Unlike the later Declaration of Independence, these articles (In the preamble) specifically cite the Quebec Act, which many patriots criticized for allowing religious freedom for Catholics In Quebec. They feared the Catholics would lead a charge against the Protestant colonies: “thus, by the influence of civil principles and ancient prejudices, to dispose the inhabitants to act with hostility against…

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Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776, Declaration of Rights

May 22, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

January 1, 1776 This Pennsylvania Constitution grants broad religious freedoms to any citizen “who acknowledges the being of a God.” It also provides that conscientious objectors need not serve in the militia, a provision included to accommodate Quakers, who were highly influential in Pennsylvania. Article II. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding: And that no man ought or of right can be compelled…

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Message from the Continental Congress to the People of Great Britain, October 21, 1774

May 22, 2017 Religious Freedom Archive Comments 0 Comment

Congress October 21, 1774 Congress virulently attacked Great Britain’s Quebec Act, which gave religious freedom to Catholics In Canada. The Continental Congress expressed “astonishment, that a British Parliament should ever consent to establish in that country a religion that has deluged your island in blood, and dispersed bigotry, persecution, murder and rebellion through every part of the world.” Congress soon thereafter realized that Insulting the Canadian Catholics might not be the best way to win their favor or that of…

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