Reflection Paper / Roger Williams

     "But from this grant I infer (as before hath been touched) that the sovereign, original, and foundation of civil power lies in the people (whom they must needs mean by the civil power distinct from the government set up). And, if so, that a people may erect and establish what form of government seems to them most meet for their civil condition; it is evident that such governments as are by them erected and established have no more power, nor for no longer time, than the civil power or people consenting and agreeing shall betrust them with. This is clear not only in reason but in the experience of all commonweals, where the people are not deprived of their natural freedom by the power of tyrants."

     Roger Williams, founder of the colony of Rhode Island in America and pioneer of religious liberty, was known for his peacemaking between the neighboring colonists and the Indians. In religion Williams ws saying that everyman had the right to his own conscience guided by his inner faith. However, in secular matters he must submit to the will of the majority, determined through institutions shorn of any religious content.   He obtained a charter from the king that made the principle of religious freedom explict.   It read, "No person within the said colony at anytime hereafter shall be in any wise molested, punished, disquieted or called in question for any difference in opinion in matters of religion and who do not actually disturb the civil peace of our said colony; but that all...may from time to time and at all times thereafter freely and fully have and enjoy his and their own judgements and consciences in matters of religious concernments."

     Williams believed that in order for civil society to exist there had to be absolute separation between church and state.   This refers to the distance in the relationship between organized religion and the nation state.  Today there is still much debate in regards to this discussion.  I believe Williams makes a great case in showing why church and state should be separated.