A Bill Establishing a Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion

Sea of Liberty  |  document
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In 1784, Patrick Henry proposed this bill, which would have provided tax-supported religious instruction for Virginians. Henry believed that Christian morality made people better citizens. He also thought that the state should actively promote Christian values. A majority of lawmakers disagreed. James Madison led the successful opposition to Henry’s bill Virginia’s general assembly.

The transcription below is the beginning of the bill.


transcript
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