Is there a difference between your religion being tolerated and having religious freedom? President George Washington thought so. In light of the rise of white Christian nationalism and Project 2025, we’re going to run some educational posts about religious freedom and government.
In 1790, President Washington tried to “sweeten the pot” for ratifying the constitution by touring to talk up the idea. Rhode Island had just ratified, and he celebrated with them. Several citizens read welcoming messages to him. One article tells us:
“One of those who welcomed Washington was Moses Seixas, the warden of the Touro Synagogue in Newport. In his welcome, Seixas gave thanks to “the Ancient of Days, the great preserver of men” that the Jews, previously “deprived … of the invaluable rights of free Citizens” on account of their religion, now lived under a government “which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” (More here)
Later, when President Washington wrote back to thank the synagogue for their letter, he reused Moses Seixas’ words about no sanction to bigotry and no assistance to persecution. He also said:
“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
President Washington’s response to a Roman Catholic church that sent him well wishes is along the same lines. He says:
“As mankind become more liberal, they will be more apt to allow, that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community, are equally entitled to the protection of civil government.“ (more here)
Are you in charge of any sort of education?
Public or private school?
Bible study?
Working hard against Christian nationalism?
The George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom has a whole curriculum around this letter to the Synagogue.
Why am I writing like all this matters hundreds of years later? Because part of white Christian nationalism’s appeal comes from the idea that America is supposedly built as a Christian nation and needs to be reclaimed or saved from us heathens. But it’s not true.
These two letters from President Washington and other founding papers are proof that this country was founded to provide religious freedom for ALL people. Not just a few. In upcoming posts, we’ll discuss ways to fight this rising threat to America.
Here’s a copy of the letter:
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