Dialogue Institute

ON THIS DAY IN 1776: The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was ratified. Drafted by leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, this document was among the most radically democratic and egalitarian state constitutions in North America. It removed property requirements for voting, allowing many working-class men to vote for the first time, and created a single-house legislature to keep power closer to the people.

The Preamble's invocation of the "Author of existence" and the Declaration of Rights' guarantee of freedom of conscience were groundbreaking provisions that were a big step away from forcing everyone to follow one specific church, which was common in other colonies. It promised freedom of conscience, meaning people could attend worship (or not) as they wished without fear of punishment.

However, this freedom had a distinct limitation. The constitution required legislators to make a declaration acknowledging the divine inspiration of the Old and New Testaments. This specific theological litmus test effectively barred Jews, who do not accept the New Testament, and freethinkers or atheists, who rejected scriptural authority entirely, from holding public office.

This contradiction highlights a pivotal moment in American history: the legal and cultural shift from religious uniformity to the protection of religious freedom was gaining momentum. Yet, there were limits to this freedom. The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 stands as a testament to how even the most progressive founders of the era struggled to separate democratic ideals from the dominant Protestant worldview that shaped their understanding.

Did you know that on this day in 1758, the cornerstone of St. Peter's Church was laid? For more hidden history, follow on Instagram! 🔍

Want to learn more about St. Peter's? Visit our app to learn more: https://religiousfreedomtrails.stqry.app/

Upcoming Tour: Religion and Freedom in Historic Germantown
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

📣Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-religion-and-freedom-in-historic-germantown-tickets-1997151310331

This two-hour walking tour will begin at Market Square at the corner of Church Lane and Germantown Avenue (across from Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books) and follow Germantown Avenue along the northern edge of the Germantown Colonial Historic District, highlighting the various religious and intellectual groups who were present in early Germantown, including Quakers, Mennonites, Moravians, Reformed Lutherans, and natural scientists.

Join us at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church on Monday, October 5 from 6:00–8:30 PM for a special screening from In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America 🎥

Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-pursuit-philadelphia-and-the-making-of-america-tickets-1995497062431?aff=oddtdtcreator

St. Augustine's is itself a site of that history — the original church was burned to the ground during the Nativist riots of 1844, a defining moment of anti-Catholic violence in American history. This evening invites audiences to step into that history and reflect on the enduring fight for freedom, equity, and civic power.

Following the screening, guests are invited to stay for a powerful conversation with Katie Oxx, PhD, Father Chris of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, and Pastor Bill of St. George's United Methodist Church. Conversation moderated by David Krueger.

Don't miss the latest events coming up! Visit religiousfreedomtrails.org/events to get tickets to any of these programs.🎫

September 22: In the Footsteps of Faith and Freedom: The Spiritual Roots of Revolutionary Philadelphia - 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
This tour is promoted by the Main Line School Night, but is open to anyone. There are separate prices for members and non-members. Discover how the nation's founding documents were influenced by our city's religious and cultural diversity.

October 5: In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America - 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Join us at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church for a special screening from In Pursuit. St. Augustine's is itself a site of that history — the original church was burned to the ground during the Nativist riots of 1844.

October 8: Revolutionary Congregations - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
What role did Philadelphia’s faith communities play in the American Revolution? This panel discussion at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church will feature experts on the varied ways faith leaders and communities thought about and responded to the revolution in light of their theological commitments and ethnic and racial identities.

October 10: TOUR: Religion and Freedom in Historic Germantown - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Join us for a fun in-person tour exploring Germantown’s rich history! This two-hour walking tour will begin at Market Square at the corner of Church Lane and Germantown Avenue (across from Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books) and follow Germantown Avenue along the northern edge of the Germantown Colonial Historic District.

Events — Religion and History Tours in Philadelphia Our events engage scholars, community leaders, and the public in meaningful conversations about how religious ideas, values, and communities have shaped and continue to shape American identity, pluralism, and civic life.

Among the many things for which Thomas Jefferson was renowned are his “Feast of Reason” dinners, where people gathered at Monticello to respectfully discuss the civic issues of the day. Inspired by this precedent–and given the current polarized and inflammatory state of civic dialogue in our country–Carpenters’ Hall, in partnership with the Dialogue Institute at Temple University, will host a “Feast of Reason” dinner series reimagined for our time.

Over a family-style meal, participants will be guided through a brief history of our evening’s topic, followed by a respectful and thoughtful discussion, guided by experts. Each meal will include 24 participants and will be held at Carpenters’ Hall from 6-8 pm.

Learn more and register here: https://www.carpentershall.org/events/view/feast-of-reason-september

Open to all PA educators: PA Story Project - a state-wide classroom exchange! Join us for a Zoom orientation session on September 2nd at 5:00 PM. Participation in this project is free and scalable to fit your classroom. Learn more and register here: https://dialogueinstitute.org/pastoryhome

PA Story encourages students to engage with differences and take in new perspectives while learning from their peers. Through virtual and in-person exchanges, students will see how their personal narratives contribute to Pennsylvania’s legacy of religious freedom, , and civic life.

Each participating classroom will be paired with a reciprocal classroom in another part of Pennsylvania, so students can learn from and connect with peers in the same grade in a different geographic area. This exchange is intended to broaden students' perspectives and to give them a sense of how students connect to PA culture and history in other parts of the state.

Space is limited, sign up soon! 📣 Carpenters’ Hall, in partnership with the Dialogue Institute at Temple University, is hosting a “Feast of Reason” dinner series.

Our first meal on September 10th will address public monuments and statues. Participants will discuss the question “How should communities decide what monuments should stand and what should be taken down?” Yannick Trapman-O'Brien from Monument Lab will be present to help provide context to and guide the conversation.

When: September 10th from 6 - 8:00 PM
Where: Carpenters' Hall
How to Register: https://www.carpentershall.org/events/view/feast-of-reason-september