Roger Williams was a religious leader who believed strongly in freedom of religion. He came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s but soon disagreed with its leaders. Williams believed that the government should not control people’s religious beliefs. Because of these ideas, he was banished from the colony. Williams went on to found the colony of Rhode Island, where people of many different religions were welcome. He also believed colonists should treat Native Americans fairly and pay for land instead of taking it. His ideas about religious freedom were unusual at the time but later became important to American democracy.
Anne Hutchinson was a Puritan woman who challenged religious leaders in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She held meetings in her home where she discussed sermons and shared her own beliefs about religion. Hutchinson believed that people could have a direct relationship with God without strict church control. Colonial leaders saw her ideas as dangerous and accused her of challenging their authority. She was put on trial and banished from the colony. Like Roger Williams, Hutchinson later lived in Rhode Island. Her actions showed courage and helped expand ideas about religious freedom in colonial America.
| Statement | They Have in Common | They Do Not Have in Common |
|---|---|---|
| Were banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony | ||
| Challenged religious authority | ||
| Founded the colony of Rhode Island | ||
| Held religious meetings in their home | ||
| Supported greater religious freedom | ||
| Was a founder and political leader of a colony | ||
| Were seen as a threat by Puritan leaders | ||
| Advocated for fair treatment of Native Americans |