From his arrival as a fugitive to his founding of the Fire Department, Library, University and more, Benjamin Franklin’s faith evolved along with his contributions to Philadelphia.
From the fight to abolish slavery to present day movements, Philadelphia has been an important epicenter in the struggle to secure equal rights for all Americans.
Philadelphia, the capital of William Penn’s “holy experiment” in freedom, was to be guided by brotherly love. It hasn’t always lived up to its founder’s vision, but its universal ideals of liberty and love helped it become blueprint for the United States and a World Heritage City.
This great city is home to a legion of women guided by faith who work tirelessly to guide liberty in the direction of justice for all. Their stories will inspire you.
Faith-motivated initiatives to abolish slavery have been a hallmark of Philadelphia’s rich history, overcoming resistance to ensure freedom for all.
Even in a colony founded on religious liberty and brotherly love, Catholics initially had to hold Mass in secret and later fight nativist forces for their freedom.
The First Amendment begins with a guarantee of freedom of religion, but it also recognizes other related rights including freedom of speech and freedom of the press, “one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty.”
William Penn’s promise of religious freedom attracted many Jewish immigrants to Philadelphia. They have since thrived and contributed to the city’s development.
Discover Philadelphia’s hidden history and how faith has guided liberty toward justice with our curated trails that explore the city’s must-see sites!
