Many people think the roots of our Five Freedoms started with men like Thomas Jefferson or John Locke in the 18th Century. Little do people know that long before the US Constitution, Rhode Island was the first Colony to have in its Charter Freedom Of Religion in 1663. The founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, is wholly responsible for the Radical idea and implementation of this Freedom. Banished for his radical views by the Massachusetts Bay Colony during a harsh winter, these would be the beginnings of his journey to establish what would be fundamental to the future of America. This 72-minute documentary about the separation of Church and State, directed by Andrew Linn, explores what led Roger Williams to his idea of Religious Freedom and the biblical arguments he used to support it.

The documentary features segments with William Federer, author of America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Questions; Stephen Unthank, Pastor of Greenbelt Baptist Church and Adjunct Professor of Faith Theological Seminary; and John M. Barry, author of Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul.

(Above, left) Tim Hall, President Emeritus Mercy University, noted that Freedom of Conscience was an innovation because in the rest of the world if you don’t bow to the statue you get thrown in the fiery furnace. Roger Williams (above, right) actually goes a bit further than most others arguing that at the heart of the liberty of conscience debate is that the sword cannot make a man believe.

Williams befriended the Pokanoket Massasoit Ousamequin and was sheltered by him in the winter of 1636 when Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Barrington Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee members Elysa Gordon and Jacob Brier (above, right) led a discussion following the May 20, 2026 screening of the documentary at the Barrington Public Library. (Above, center) Sail Newport Captain Mike Brady responded that more people should know about Roger Williams and his contributions.