Tag: American Catholicism

In newly independent America, there was a crazy quilt of state laws regarding religion. In Massachusetts, only Christians were allowed to hold public office, and Catholics were allowed to do so only after renouncing papal authority. In 1777, New York State’s constitution banned Catholics from public office (and would do so until 1806). In Maryland, Catholics had full civil rights, but Jews did not. Delaware required an oath affirming belief in the Trinity. Several states, including Massachusetts and South Carolina, had official, state-supported churches.

Catholics like organizational labels. We like to sort and classify. We insist on believing in the power of the Holy Spirit to grace each person differently in order to bring about wholeness of wisdom and compassion in our communities.