Edict of Toleration (Hawaii) facts for kids
An Edict of Toleration was a special rule made by King Kamehameha III of Hawaii on June 17, 1839. This important rule made it legal for the Catholic Church to be set up in Hawaii.
Before this edict, the kings of Hawaii, like Kamehameha the Great and Kamehameha II, preferred the old Hawaiian religious traditions. The Roman Catholic Church was not allowed in the Kingdom of Hawaii. Later, when King Kamehameha III was still young, his regent, Queen Kaahumanu, favored the Congregational church.
What Was the Edict of Toleration?
The Edict of Toleration was a formal announcement that allowed people in Hawaii to practice the Catholic faith freely. It was a big step towards religious freedom in the kingdom. This meant that Catholics could worship, build churches, and teach their beliefs without fear of punishment.
Why Was the Edict Issued?
King Kamehameha III issued this edict because of strong pressure from the French government. The French wanted to protect the work of a group of Catholic missionaries called the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. These missionaries had faced difficulties in Hawaii before the edict.
The French government even threatened to use force if the king did not allow the Catholic Church to operate. To avoid conflict, King Kamehameha III agreed to the edict. He also paid a large sum of money, $20,000, as a way to make up for the past treatment of Catholic priests and followers. Some priests had been sent away, and some converts had faced harsh treatment.
How Did This Change Hawaii?
The Edict of Toleration was a major event for Hawaii. It showed that the kingdom was becoming more open to different religions. Just a year later, in 1840, the 1840 Constitution was written. This new constitution officially protected religious liberty for everyone in Hawaii. This meant that people could choose their own religion without the government telling them what to believe.
This edict helped shape the future of Hawaii, making it a place where different faiths could exist side by side.
