Who founded Rhode Island and advocated for the separation of Church and State?

The founding of Rhode Island is attributed to Roger Williams, who established the colony in 1636. Williams was a fervent advocate for the separation of church and state, a principle that was revolutionary for its time. He believed that the government should not impose religious practices on its citizens, nor should religion dictate government policies. This philosophy stemmed from his experiences in Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he faced persecution for his beliefs, particularly his views on religious freedom and Native American rights.

As a result of his advocacy for these principles, Williams founded Providence Plantations, which later became part of Rhode Island. This colony was notable for offering a place of refuge for those seeking religious freedom and for its groundbreaking ideas regarding civil liberties, particularly the separation of church and state, which would influence the development of American democracy and constitutional law in the years to come.