“Born into the Church of England, William Penn became a convinced member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). As a dissenter, Penn was sensitive to individual leadings in religious matters. When he founded the colony of Pennsylvania in 1682, Penn welcomed practitioners of all faiths. In 1701, Penn issued his Charter of Privileges which specified religious freedom within the colony. Penn's charter contemplates a monotheistic, Christian society in which only Christians were permitted to hold public office.” (National Park Service)

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