William Penn and the Development of a Discourse of 'Civil Rights'. Issue 1 (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hellier, Anna Lloyd
• Is Part Of: Quaker studies. Volume 27:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Early Quakers -- 'Civil Rights' -- Huguenots -- Pennsylvania -- politically engaged publications -- religious liberties -- religious nonconformity -- seventeenth century -- William Penn; Society of Friends -- History -- Periodicals; 289.605
• DOI: 10.3828/quaker.2022.27.1.2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-013X

Abstract

Abstract : This article sets out to highlight a less well-known aspect of William Penn's politically engaged campaign for liberty of conscience. Specifically, it will demonstrate that Penn had much wider objectives than merely seeking guarantees from the state on religious toleration. He sought extensive reform of the civil laws governing the rights of individuals. Drawing on his early Quaker experiences in England and his experiences among the French Huguenots, Penn forged a vision of the rights and duties pertaining to any godly civil society. The development of a discourse of 'Civil Rights' became central to Penn's campaign, and came to symbolise a set of universal, not specifically English, rights to be observed for the mutual benefit of all. This has implications for our understanding of Penn's experience as a Quaker, but also for English seventeenth-century religious and civil politics in general, as well as their evolution over time.