Biography

Students of American history will no doubt know the name Roger Williams and his association with the New England colonies. Born in 1603 he became one of the founders of Rhode Island. He was minister in the Puritan Church, a theologian and church founder. His views on religious tolerance got him expelled from the Puritan church which led to the founding of the Baptist church in the colonies. His compassion for the Native population in the colonies was exhibited in his treatment of them, not as enemies but as allies. His knowledge and interactions with native tribes led to the publication a study of their languages. He was a proponent of separation of church and state hence Rhode Island’s political leaders did not dictate the religious beliefs of the citizens. Williams died in 1683.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer