The Mayflower Promise

400 years ago, 102 English puritans set sail from Holland on their way to the New World. On November 11th, 1620 they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod and began the process of establishing this land as a land of liberty with the Promise of religious freedom at its core. This Promise did not die with the pilgrims, but was reaffirmed by the Founding Fathers of the United States. Thomas Paine recognized that “Spiritual freedom is the root of political liberty” (Thoughts on Defensive War, 1775) and James Madison, the chief architect of the Constitution, said, “Conscience is the most sacred of all property…more sacred than his castle [home]” (“Property” James Madison, National Gazette, March 29, 1792).

A firm belief in the sacred right of conscience and right of free exercise of religion, being guaranteed in the first amendment to the United States Constitution, has inspired thousands to flee the Old World in search of a better life with religious freedom. While not always perfectly upheld, this Promise has held together the fabric of America. Today, as many question the relevance of religious freedom in a 21st-century pluralistic, secular society, the Promise is in jeopardy. Americans and people of faith must ensure that the Mayflower Promise is kept today.

This conference celebrates those courageous pilgrims’ arrival 400 years ago and the heritage of religious freedom that they, and those that came after them, left us. Throughout the course of this conference, attendees will hear Americans of all faiths and backgrounds share why religious freedom is important today, and speakers highlighting the challenges facing religious freedom and the need for people of faith to unite in its defense.

Join us as we remember the priceless heritage of religious freedom and help ensure that the Mayflower Promise is kept.