Roger Williams (theologian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger Williams
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| Born | December 21, 1603 |
| Died | April 19, 1683 (aged 79) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Barnard |
Roger Williams (born December 21, 1603 – died April 1, 1683) was an important English-American leader. He was a Puritan minister and a theologian, which means he studied religion.
Roger Williams is famous for believing in religious toleration. This means people should be free to believe what they want. He also believed in the separation of church and state. This idea means the government and religious groups should be kept separate.
He also thought that Native Americans should be treated fairly. In 1644, he helped create the colony of Rhode Island. This new colony was a place where people could have religious freedom. He is also thought to have started one of the first Baptist churches in the United States.
Contents
Roger Williams' Early Life
Roger Williams was born in London, England. He studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge University. After finishing his studies, he became a minister.
At that time, many people in England were Puritans. They wanted to make the Church of England simpler. Roger Williams was a Puritan, but he had some different ideas.
Moving to America
Because of his beliefs, Roger Williams decided to move to America. Many Puritans were moving there to find religious freedom. He arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1631.
He worked as a minister in different towns. However, his ideas about religious freedom were very strong. He believed that the government should not force people to follow certain religious rules.
Challenging Old Ideas
Roger Williams also thought that the English king did not have the right to give away Native American land. He believed the land should be bought fairly from the Native Americans. These ideas were very new and caused problems with the leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The leaders did not agree with his views. They believed his ideas could cause trouble. Because of this, they decided to banish him, meaning he had to leave the colony.
Founding Rhode Island
In 1636, Roger Williams left Massachusetts. He traveled south and bought land from the Narragansett people, a Native American tribe. He named this new place Providence.
This new settlement became a safe place for people who wanted religious freedom. It was different from other colonies because it welcomed people of all faiths. This was a very important step for freedom in America.
A Royal Charter for Rhode Island
In 1644, Roger Williams traveled back to England. He got a special document called a royal charter from the king. This charter officially recognized Rhode Island as a colony.
The charter gave the people of Rhode Island the right to govern themselves. It also made sure that religious freedom was protected there. Rhode Island became known as a place of liberty.
Working with Native Americans
Roger Williams learned the language of the Narragansett people. He wrote a book called A Key into the Language of America. This book helped English settlers understand the Native American language and culture.
He believed in treating Native Americans with respect. He often helped to keep peace between the Native American tribes and the English settlers.
Roger Williams' Legacy
Roger Williams' ideas about religious freedom and the separation of church and state were very important. These ideas later became key parts of the United States Constitution.
He showed that a society could work well even if people had different religious beliefs. His work helped create a country where everyone could worship freely.
Famous descendants
These are some famous people who are descendants of Roger Williams:
- Nelson Rockefeller
- Gail Borden
- Charles Eugene Tefft
- Michelle Phillips
- Julia Ward Howe
- Sarah Palin
- Bill Gore
Images for kids
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Williams attended Pembroke College, Cambridge
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The Jonathan Corwin House was long thought to be Williams' home in Salem
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The Banishment of Roger Williams (around 1850) by Peter F. Rothermel
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The Landing of Roger Williams in 1636 (1857) by Alonzo Chappel shows Williams crossing the Seekonk River
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The First Baptist Church in America which Williams helped start in 1638
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A picture from the mid-1800s showing Williams meeting with Narragansett leaders
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In 1643, Williams published A Key into the Language of America, the first English book about a Native American language
See also
In Spanish: Roger Williams para niños
