America Celebrates 250 Years of Religious Liberty

The unique founding principle of the United States is highlighted as the country marks a major milestone.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:18pm

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As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, religious liberty stands out as a cornerstone of the nation's history. From the early colonial period to the present day, the country has grappled with how to balance religious diversity and the free exercise of faith. Despite challenges and periods of persecution, particularly for non-Protestant groups, the commitment to religious liberty has endured as a defining American principle.

Why it matters

Religious liberty was a key issue debated by the Founding Fathers and has remained a source of ongoing discussion and debate throughout U.S. history. Understanding this history is crucial as the country continues to navigate questions of the separation of church and state, the rights of religious minorities, and the role of faith in public life.

The details

The colonial period saw most colonists living in areas with an official state church, typically Congregational (Calvinist) or Anglican. However, a diverse group of religious traditions, including deists, Baptists, and Presbyterians, argued strongly for religious liberty, leading to the First Amendment's protections. Over time, the discourse shifted to focus on the natural rights of individuals to freely exercise their religion. Catholics were at the forefront of this commitment, with figures like Archbishop John Carroll and the Carroll family playing key roles. Still, non-Protestants often faced exclusion and persecution, including anti-Catholic sentiment that persisted into the modern era.

  • The Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 was the first American law specifically referring to 'the free exercise' of religion.
  • The 'Great Awakening' of the 1740s further fueled debates around religious liberty in the colonies.
  • By the time of American Independence, the discourse shifted to focus on the natural rights of individuals to freely exercise their religion.

The players

Linda Przybyszewski

An associate professor of history at the University of Notre Dame who has studied the history of religious liberty in the United States.

Michael Breidenbach

The dean of the Honors College and an associate professor of history at Ave Maria University in Florida, who has expertise in the history of religious liberty in colonial America.

Archbishop John Carroll

The first Catholic bishop in the U.S., who wrote publicly on the subject of religious liberty.

Daniel Carroll

The brother of Archbishop John Carroll and a framer of the U.S. Constitution.

Charles Carroll

The second cousin of Archbishop John Carroll and the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence.

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What they’re saying

“They argued about it, because so many of them believed that some form of belief in God was necessary to teaching people virtue and morality — since we need virtue and morality in order to be a self-governing republic. The question then became, 'Who's going to teach the religion?'”

— Linda Przybyszewski, Associate Professor of History, University of Notre Dame (OSV News)

“Religious toleration is a kind of grant from the civil authority that allows for religious nonconformity because that does better for civil peace — and a kind of recognition that conforming people to a religion they do not believe in makes them hypocrites; makes them not true believers; and otherwise creates a lot of dissension in a political community.”

— Michael Breidenbach, Dean of the Honors College and Associate Professor of History, Ave Maria University (OSV News)

What’s next

As the United States continues to grapple with questions of religious liberty, the lessons of its history remain crucial. Ongoing debates around issues like political and anti-religious violence, access to sacraments for detainees, and the role of religion in public life will shape the country's future approach to this founding principle.

The takeaway

The history of religious liberty in the United States is a complex and often contentious one, marked by both progress and setbacks. Yet the commitment to this founding principle has endured, serving as a testament to the nation's diversity and resilience. As the country celebrates its 250th birthday, this legacy offers valuable insights for navigating the challenges of the present and future.