Religious Toleration

Resources on Religious Toleration in Rhode Island

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.

Religious Practice in Newport: An Overview

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. 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. Click the button below to learn more about the diversity of religious practice Newport.

Spectacle of Toleration

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.

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Religious Freedom and Toleration in the 17th-Century English Empire

Produced by the Newport World Heritage Commission, this in-depth chart tracks the acts and provisions relating to religious freedom and toleration that were in place across the English Empire during the 17th century. From Virginia to Bombay, explore the extent to which "religious liberty" was practiced across the Empire. Click the button to read more.

When Quakers Were the Karens

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.

Of all the colonies in America, Rhode Island has the reputation of being the most tolerant. While religious diversity did guard against overt persecution (particularly in a heterogeneous city such as Newport), there were, in fact, underlying prejudices which surfaced in times of crisis and caused grave divisions in the community. This article, by Elaine F. Crane, attempts to describe the religious atmosphere of eighteenth century Newport and to suggest what caused these deep seated biases to erupt during one such crisis – the revolutionary era.

The Spectacle of Toleration

Visit www.spectacleoftoleration.org It is much in their hearts (if they...

History Bytes: Common Burying Ground

In 1665, Dr. John Clarke gave a 10.2 acre parcel...

Director’s Note: On Being American

For my grandfather, a Jewish socialist refugee from Russia/Poland in...

Myth, Memory, History and Heritage

On Friday, March 23rd, four people with very different training,...

Rhode Island's Historical Cemeteries

To search burials in Newport’s Island Cemetery, as well as across Rhode Island, click the links below:

Island Cemetery

Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Newport

This hour-long tour touches on Newport’s 18^th 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.

Self-Guided Walking Tour