John Leland (Baptist)
John Leland (1754-1841) was an influential American Baptist minister and staunch advocate for religious liberty and the separation of church and state. Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, he experienced a spiritual awakening at a young age and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1775.
Leland's theological views leaned towards Calvinism, although he emphasized the importance of personal experience and moral conduct. However, he is best remembered for his passionate defense of individual rights, especially religious freedom. He believed that government should have no authority over matters of conscience and that individuals should be free to worship, or not worship, as they choose.
Leland moved to Virginia in 1776, where he witnessed firsthand the persecution of Baptists by the established Anglican Church. He became a leading voice in the fight to disestablish the Church of England in Virginia and to ensure religious freedom for all citizens. He argued persuasively before the Virginia legislature and through numerous writings and sermons that government-sponsored religion was detrimental to both religion and government.
His most notable political action was his influence on James Madison during the drafting of the Bill of Rights. While Leland initially opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution because it lacked specific protections for religious freedom, he famously met with James Madison and secured his promise to introduce amendments safeguarding religious liberty once the Constitution was ratified. This promise was fulfilled with the passage of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion.
Leland later returned to Massachusetts in 1791, where he continued to preach and advocate for religious liberty throughout his life. He authored numerous books and pamphlets on religious and political topics, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in the American struggle for religious freedom. His writings continue to be studied and cited by scholars and activists interested in the separation of church and state. He died in North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1841.