Religious Freedom Day

Religious Freedom Day History

Religious Freedom Day commemorates the timeless and foundational American principle of religious liberty. This day highlights the freedom for individuals to choose their faith, change it, or live without one. This auspicious day primarily underscores the essential right of every individual to practice his or her religion without coercion or fear of persecution.

The genesis of Religious Freedom Day can be traced back to the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom drafted by Thomas Jefferson and passed on January 16, 1786, by the Virginia General Assembly—marking a significant moment towards religious autonomy for every citizen. The statute became a fundamental basis for the First Amendment of the US Constitution which emphasizes the separation of church and state, safeguarding individuals' rights to freely exercise their religion.

Religious Freedom Day is not considered a federal holiday but is officially proclaimed each year by the President. Numerous events, such as speeches, awards ceremonies, and educational sessions, take place to celebrate the occasion and promote understanding and mutual respect among different faith communities across the nation. It serves as a reminder of the nation's commitment to create a diverse society with religious tolerance and respect for human dignity. Religious Freedom Day is celebrated annually on January 16.

Top Facts for Religious Freedom Day in 2026

• The Religious Freedom Day observance commemorates the 1786 enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, a landmark document that served as the primary inspiration for the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
• Although the legislation was originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777, it was James Madison who eventually shepherded the bill through the legislature while Jefferson was serving as a diplomat in France.
• Thomas Jefferson considered the drafting of this statute such a defining achievement that he requested it be one of only three accomplishments inscribed on his tombstone, alongside the founding of the University of Virginia and the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
• The statute was revolutionary for its time because it officially disestablished the Church of England in Virginia and explicitly protected the rights of "the Jew, the Gentile, the Christian, the Mahometan, the Hindoo, and [the] infidel" to practice their faith without state interference.
• Every sitting leader since 1993 has issued an official Presidential Proclamation to mark the event, a tradition that began after Congress passed a joint resolution to designate the day as a national observance.
• Modern celebrations often include the presentation of the First Freedom Award during an annual banquet held in Richmond, Virginia, to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of religious liberty.
• Educational organizations frequently use the day to promote awareness of the Equal Access Act, which protects the rights of students to form religious clubs and express their faith within public school settings.
• The principles established by this 18th-century statute have reached a global scale, influencing the drafting of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations.

In the News and Trending for Religious Freedom Day

Top things to do for Religious Freedom Day

• Explore and learn more about different religions at World Religions Map.
• Watch a documentary about religion. Take a look at this list by PBS.
• Watch a religious movie about the power of faith. Here are our suggestions:
  I Can Only Imagine (2018)
  Silence (2016)
  The Prince of Egypt (1998)