George and Cecil Calvert, also known as the Lord Baltimore, played pivotal roles in the establishment of Maryland as a refuge for Catholics in the 17th century. During this time in England, Catholics faced significant persecution and discrimination, especially after the Protestant Reformation, which created an environment of hostility towards Catholic practices and beliefs. This persecution was particularly evident after the English Civil War and the subsequent rise of Protestantism.
George Calvert (1580-1632)
-
Background: George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, was a politician and a convert to Catholicism. He served as a member of Parliament and held various government positions, but his faith often placed him at odds with the religiously charged political atmosphere of the time.
-
Vision for Maryland: After losing favor in the English government due to his Catholicism, George Calvert sought to establish a colony in America where Catholics could practice their faith freely. He envisioned Maryland as a place of religious tolerance, which was revolutionary for that period.
Cecil Calvert (1605-1675)
-
Successor: Following George Calvert's death in 1632, his son Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, inherited the title and the vision for Maryland. He was granted a charter by King Charles I to create a new colony.
-
Founding of Maryland: In 1634, Cecil Calvert sent the first settlers to Maryland, notably including both Catholics and Protestants. The founding of Maryland was marked by a commitment to religious freedom, allowing for the coexistence of different faiths.
Religious Tolerance
-
Act of Toleration: In 1649, the Maryland Assembly passed the Maryland Toleration Act, which granted religious freedom to all Christians in the colony. Although it primarily protected Catholics and was not fully inclusive of all faiths, it was a significant step towards religious tolerance and laid the groundwork for future principles of religious freedom in America.
-
Safe Haven: Maryland became a sanctuary for English Catholics, a place where they could escape the persecution they faced in England. This settlement helped to maintain a Catholic presence in North America that would influence the region's culture and governance.
Legacy
The efforts of George and Cecil Calvert, alongside the establishment of Maryland, are recognized as a foundational moment in American history regarding the pursuit of religious freedom. Their commitment to creating a safe haven for Catholics not only provided relief for those seeking refuge but also contributed to the broader conversation about the importance of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state in the evolving American landscape.
1 answer