A Law for Freedom of Belief
In colonial Virginia, a person could be required to pay taxes that supported a church even if that person did not belong to it. Some people also faced penalties or restrictions because of their religious beliefs. Changing that system took years of argument, organizing, and lawmaking.
On January 16, 1786, Virginia adopted the Statute for Religious Freedom. It rejected the idea that the government should force people to support or follow a particular faith. Thomas Jefferson drafted the proposal, and James Madison helped guide it through the Virginia legislature. Their work became an important part of the history of religious liberty in the United States, though the law did not erase the unequal treatment of everyone living in Virginia.
Religion and government in Virginia
Before the American Revolution, the Church of England was Virginia’s established church. That meant it received special recognition and support from the colonial government. Taxes helped pay for its activities, including clergy salaries. Some people who worshipped outside that church, including Baptists and Presbyterians, objected to paying for it. Some Baptist preachers were jailed for preaching without licenses.
- established:
- Officially recognized and supported by a government.
- clergy:
- People who lead religious services or perform religious duties.
- denominations:
- Distinct groups within a religion that share particular beliefs or practices.
- statute:
- A written law passed by a legislature.
- conviction:
- A strongly held belief.
- petitions:
- Formal requests, often signed by many people, asking an authority to take action.
- compulsion:
- The act of forcing someone to do something.
- ratified:
- Officially approved so that a law or amendment can take effect.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did some Virginians object to paying taxes that supported the established church?
- 2How did Jefferson's proposal define the relationship between religious belief and civil rights?
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About this informational passage for Middle School
“A Law for Freedom of Belief” is a informational reading passage about Religious Liberty, written for Middle School. It takes about 6 minutes to read (899 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.