America’s founding promise of religious freedom has long coexisted with prejudice, even as many Christians have worked to confront it

While religious minorities have often faced hostility, many Americans have long believed in religious liberty and a more inclusive society, writes a historian of American religion.

By: David Mislin, Temple University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 27, 2026

Words: 1,293

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By David Mislin, Temple University

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, old questions have returned about who belongs and whose religious practices are truly protected in the country.

At the start of the year, an arson attack significantly damaged the oldest synagogue in Mississippi. Two days later, local officials in Oklahoma rejected a proposal to build a mosque after opponents declared Islam “hostile to our Constitution.” A Texas …

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