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Patrick Henry at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 12, 1788

Patrick Henry at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 12, 1788

Patrick Henry June 12, 1788 During the debates over ratification of the Constitution, supporters argued that religion was protected because the document didn’t give Congress explicit powers to regular religion. Patrick Henry, a popular figure in Virginia, opposed the Constitution and stated that such an important right should be explicitly protected. Wherefore is religious liberty not secured? One honorable gentlemen, who favors adoption, said that he had had his fears on the subject. If I can well recollect, he informed…

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Patrick Henry on “Bill Establishing A Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion”

Patrick Henry on “Bill Establishing A Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion”

Patrick Henry January 1, 1784 After the revolutionary war, some in Virginia came to fear that religion had gone into decline. Church buildings had been destroyed during the war. It was thought that worship attendance was declining, immorality rising and clergy struggling.  The measure would provide support for Christianity in general, and would not force members of minority denominations to support churches other than their own. Richard Henry Lee argued that it was least the citizens of Virginia could do…

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Letter from James Madison to James Monroe, April 12, 1785

Letter from James Madison to James Monroe, April 12, 1785

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James Monroe April 12, 1785 In the third paragraph, Madison updates his friend James Monroe about the “general assessment,” Patrick Henry’s proposal to tax Virginians to help support religion. He notes with contempt that the Presbyterians had opposed state support of religion when Orange April 12 1785. Dear Sir,— I wrote you not long since by a young gentleman who proposed to go as far as N. Y. acknowledging the rect. of your favor of Feby 1st. I have since…

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James Madison Comments at Virginia Ratifying Convention, April 12, 1785

James Madison Comments at Virginia Ratifying Convention, April 12, 1785

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James Madison June 12, 1788 In the Virginia convention called to consider ratification of the Constitution, opponents such as Patrick Henry argued that the Constitution would allow creation of a national religion or other forms of state involvement in religion. James Madison returned to Virginia to rebut the arguments himself, claiming that a Bill of Rights was not needed because the Constitution did not give Congress powers to regular religion. The honorable member has introduced the subject of religion. Religion…

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Letter from James Madison to James Monroe, April 12, 1785

Letter from James Madison to James Monroe, April 12, 1785

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James Madison April 12, 1785 In the third paragraph, Madison updates his friend James Monroe about the “general assessment,” Patrick Henry’s proposal to tax Virginians to help support religion. He notes with contempt that the Presbyterians had opposed state support of religion when it looked like they were excluded but now that they might get a piece of the action, they’ve become supportive Dear Sir,— I wrote you not long since by a young gentleman who proposed to go as…

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“Detached Memoranda” by James Madison, 1817

“Detached Memoranda” by James Madison, 1817

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James Madison January 1, 1817 In 1946, this amazing document was found in the files of Madison’s earliest biographer. explaining his views on a wide variety of issues – especially religious freedom. In this “Detached Memoranda,” thought to have been written between 1817-32, Madison gave his reasoning for his positions and actions on a variety of church-state issues including his opposition congressional chaplains, military chaplains, his vetoes of religion-related laws. The danger of silent accumulations & encroachments by Ecclesiastical Bodies…

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