"While all men within our territories are protected in worshipping the Deity according to the dictates of their consciences..."
George Washington to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 1789
While a private man when it came to his personal religious beliefs, George Washington worked tirelessly to ensure people of all religions had the right to practice within the United States.
Religious Freedom
While president, George Washington went past mere religious toleration and established religious freedom for citizens.
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Interactive Timeline
Dive into this timeline exploring George Washington's pursuit of religious freedom.
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In the Hands of a Good Providence
Many have speculated about George Washington's religious views and practices since his lifetime. Historian Mary Thompson explores the religious life of Washington.
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George Washington to Religious Organizations
In letter after letter, President Washington wrote to religious communities that the government would not prevent them from practicing their religion.
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Religious Practices of the Enslaved Community
The enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon practiced a variety of religious traditions, influenced by both African and European traditions.
Learn morePodcast: Secrets of the Washington Archives
Explore a set of prayer books belonging to Martha Washington and her granddaughters.
"For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens"
- George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, August 18, 1790
Washington's Words in Print
Many of the speeches Washington gave and the letters he wrote to religious communities about their freedom to practice in the United States appeared in newspapers.
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The Washington Family
Martha Washington and her children and grandchildren shared many of the same religious practices as George Washington.
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George Washington's Religious Beliefs
Washington was generally private about his religious life. While his church attendance varied throughout his life, Washington was a devoted member of the Anglican Church. In 1762, he became a vestryman at Pohick Church and served as a churchwarden for three terms.
Learn more"Altho’ no mans sentiments are more opposed to any kind of restraint upon religious principles than mine are..."
- George Washington to George Mason, October 3, 1785
Touro Synagogue
President Washington's address to the Touro Synagogue advanced the subject of religious freedom in America.
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Catholicism
Washington's statements regarding Catholicism and freedom of religion set precedents for the new nation.
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Islam at Mount Vernon
There is evidence that some of the enslaved at Mount Vernon practiced Islam.
Learn More“I trust the people of every denomination, who demean themselves as good citizens, will have occasion to be convinced that I shall always strive to prove a faithful and impartial Patron of genuine, vital religion.”
- George Washington to the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, May 29, 1789
Churchwarden and Vestryman
George Washington was chosen as a vestryman for both Fairfax Parish in Alexandria and Truro Parish in Fairfax County.
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Washington the Freemason
In taking the oath of office, Washington used the Bible of the St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1 of New York.
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The Bible in Washington's Writings
Washington’s papers contain hundreds of biblical quotations, figures of speech, idioms, proverbs, and allusions.
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8 Facts about George Washington and Religion
Did you know Washington intended religious freedom to apply to all religions? Or that his birth was recorded in the family Bible?
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Mount Vernon Christmas
While not as flashy as the holiday we know today, Christmas at Mount Vernon during Washington's time was a joyous affair complete with family, friends, and plenty of festive food.
Learn more“Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated."
- George Washington to Sir Edward Newenham, October 20, 1792
Christ Church
First built in 1773, George Washington purchased a pew at this Fairfax Parish church in Alexandria and was a lifelong member of the congregation.
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Pohick Church
George Mason, William Fairfax, and George Washington were all prominent parishioners of Pohick Church.
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The Legend of George Washington's Baptism
Although Washington was baptized by sprinkling as an infant, descendants of the chaplain John Gano claimed that Washington asked Gano to baptize him by immersion during the Revolutionary War.
Learn moreWashington's Religion
| Denomination: | Latitudinarian (18th Century Anglican) |
| Christened: | April 5, 1732 |
| Parishes: | Alexandria and Truro |
| Vestryman: | Truro Parish 1762-1784 |
| House of Burgesses Religion Committee: | 1769-1775 |
| Denomination of Services Attended: | Anglican/Episcopal, Presbyterian, Quakers, Roman Catholics, Congregationalists, Baptists, and Dutch Reformed |
| Godparent: | Of Eight |
Video
Pursuit of Religious Freedom Film
Click to watch the full film "George Washington and the Pursuit of Religious Freedom."
Education
Classroom Resources
Discover education materials related to George Washington's role in securing religious freedom in America.
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Washington Family Bible
Learn more about the family bible that recorded George Washington's birth.
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Martha Washington's Bible
George Washington purchased this Bible for Martha Washington in New York on August 18, 1789