The Spectacle of Toleration
Visit www.spectacleoftoleration.org It is much in their hearts (if they...
Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1639 by religious dissidents who believed in the principle of soul liberty: the right of each person to their own religious beliefs and openly practice them. This sense of tolerance was more inclusive than was common anywhere else at the time and was codified in Rhode Island’s royal charter of 1662. Consequently, Newport was extremely religiously diverse, with over a dozen different congregations abiding together by the mid-18th century.
Does religious tolerance lead to a society that is more productive, creative, and energetic; more intellectually, culturally, and economically rich? And what are the limits and stresses for tolerance? What difference did the “lively experiment” make, and what can the present draw from this experience? These and many other related questions are the inspiration for The Spectacle of Toleration. Click the button below to explore the website.
By Elizabeth Cazden
In this essay, Elizabeth Cazen explores tensions within the Quaker community (especially between younger and older Friends) of Rhode Island, as well as between Quaker mores and the behavior of their neighbors, especially People of Color. Many Quakers and other elite Whites who favored manumitting slaves did not envision a role for free Black people that incorporated them fully into the society of free citizens, with equal economic rights, voting rights, and freedom of movement. Elizabeth Cazden is a retired lawyer and historian, and a member of Providence (R.I.) Meeting. She has led Quaker history workshops at Friends General Conference Gatherings, written for Quaker History, and led tours of local Quaker sites.
Visit www.spectacleoftoleration.org It is much in their hearts (if they...
In 1665, Dr. John Clarke gave a 10.2 acre parcel...
For my grandfather, a Jewish socialist refugee from Russia/Poland in...
On Friday, March 23rd, four people with very different training,...
To search burials in Newport’s Island Cemetery, as well as across Rhode Island, click the links below:
This hour-long tour touches on Newport’s 18th century economy, practice of religious toleration, politics and the city’s diverse population – enslaved and free, during Newport’s colonial period. Click the link below to download a free PDF, which includes a map of the tour route.