Religion in Virginia

The first Europeans who came to Virginia were not driven primarily by a desire for religious freedom. The Massachusetts Pilgrims and Puritans had a zeal (perhaps comparable in intensity to that of modern-day Cuban emmigres in South Florida) to create an environment in which their one majority perspective would dominate the culture.

The Jamestown and subsequent settlers to Virginia provide a clear contrast. They did not come to create an environment in which there was "one way," or in which all perspectives were encouraged. The initial Virginia colonists considered religion to be a fundamental part of life and important in government - but not controlling. To early Virginians, material wealth was more interesting than freedom or salvation or politics, period. The first permanent settlers to come hither from yon were motivated by wordly desires more than the chance to proselytize the heathen or establish a city on a hill.

For example, the Anglicans of Tidewater Virginia encouraged "dissenters" to immigrate to the Shenandoah Valley. You can still find Mennonite heritage reflected there in traditional head coverings and transportation. (You may be more familiar with the Amish in black hats driving horses-and-buggies in southeastern Pennsylvania - see Who Are Mennonites from the Mennonite Church USA for more context.)

Religion was a fundamental part of everyday Virginia life, and religious differences affected settlement patterns and politics. Virginia was settled by Protestants, Anglicans who were supporters of the traditional forms of worship.

Massachusetts was initially settled by Puritans and Pilgrims, while Maryland was granted to a Catholic who encouraged co-religionists to migrate to that colony. Virginia was often hostile to Catholics, destroying a French colony in Acadia in 1613, and only one Catholic was elected to the House of Burgesses during the colonial era.

The Anglican Church was intimately connected to the government until the disestablishment in 1786, with the adoption of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. At one point, Virginia led the new United States into an era of tolerance and acceptance, in contrast to its modern reputation.

If you think of religious leaders and political issues in Virginia today, the clear leaders are Rev. Pat Robertson and Rev. Jerry Falwell - leaders associated with efforts to involve the state in religious-oriented activities rather than maintaining a wall of separation. The Moral Majority, the Ollie North campaign for Senate in 1994, and the debates over taxpayer support for religious schools show Virginia following a different tradition now, different from the path described by Jefferson and Madison with the First Amendment.

But before you assume Virginia has strayed from its roots, consider the possibility that the radical firebrand Patrick Henry would probably support restoring the tax exemption for the Christian Coalition and allowing the state to provide financial backing for the bonds of Rev. Pat Robertson's Regent University...

Colleges in Virginia With a Religious Affilioation

George Washington and Religion

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the First Amendment

Links


Population of Virginia
Geography of Virginia