We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this Land the light of truth & reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition, and that every person may here worship God according to the dictates of his own heart. In this enlightened age & in this Land of equal liberty it is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining & holding the highest offices that are known in the United States.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington celebrates the triumph of reason and religious freedom in the United States, noting that belief does not bar public office.
- In plain terms
- Religious freedom is a key American achievement.
- What can you take from it?
- Belief should not limit public service.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is religious freedom truly secure?
- How do we keep it that way?
Another view
Religious bias can still exist despite legal protections.
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