James Madison: Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments (1785)
In 1785 James Madison’s eloquent Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments was published anonymously as part of the successful petitioning campaign opposing a general assessment, or statewide tax, that would support the ministers or teachers of all Christian denominations in Virginia. During the American Revolution, Virginia made dramatic strides in the development of religious freedom. This liberalization was threatened in 1784, however, when a majority of the Virginia House of Delegates, led by Patrick Henry, tentatively approved a proposal to impose a tax that would support the ministers or teachers of all Christian denominations. This was called the Bill Establishing a Provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion. After Henry was elevated to the governorship, removing him from the legislature, Madison led a successful effort to delay the passage of the general assessment until the General Assembly could hear from citizens.
Thousands of Virginia...
