On April 21, 1509, King Henry VII died, leaving his son, Henry VIII, King of England. Henry VIII eventually seceded his nation from the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first major European nation to do so. Henry then made himself head of the Church of England and dissolved Catholic monasteries throughout the country.

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On April 21, 1649, the Maryland Assembly passed the Maryland Toleration Act, providing for freedom of worship for all Christians. The key section of act read:And whereas the inforceing of the conscience in matters of Religion hath frequently fallen out to be of dangerous Consequence in those commonwealthes where it hath been practised, And for the more quiett and peaceable governement of this Province, and the better to preserve mutuall Love and amity amongst the Inhabitants thereof, Be it Therefore also by the Lord Proprietary with the advise and consent of this Assembly Ordeyned and enacted (except as in this present Act is before Declared and sett forth) that noe person or persons whatsoever within this Province, or the Islands, Ports, Harbors, Creekes, or havens thereunto belonging professing to beleive in Jesus Christ, shall from henceforth bee any waies troubled, Molested or discountenanced for or in respect of his or her religion nor in the free exercise thereof within this Province or the Islands thereunto belonging nor any way compelled to the beleife or exercise of any other Religion against his or her consent, soe as they be not unfaithfull to the Lord Proprietary, or molest or conspire against the civill Governement established or to bee established in this Province under him or his heires. Learn more about the Maryland Toleration Act.