Roger Williams (l. 1603-1683 CE) was a Puritan separatist minister best known for his conflict with both the Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1633-1635 CE, resulting in his banishment and founding of the colony of Providence, Rhode Island. Williams believed that the clergy of both Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were corrupt in continuing to adhere to the concept of one's deeds as an important aspect of spiritual salvation rather than acknowledging the biblical precept that only God's grace grants salvation (Romans 8:32, Ephesians 2:8). Further, he claimed, these churches were still aligned with the basic policies of the Anglican Church they had supposedly rejected.
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Definition
Timeline
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1603 - 1683Life of Roger Williams, Puritan Separatist reformer and founder of Providence, Rhode Island.
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1631Roger Williams arrives in Boston, Massachusetts, and almost instantly comes in conflict with authority there.
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1631Roger Williams and his wife Mary move to Plymouth Colony where he becomes the settlement's preacher.
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5 Feb 1631Puritan minister Roger Williams arrives in Boston, leaving England to escape religious persecution. He quickly caused controversy in the Massachusetts Bay Colony by arguing for the separation of church and state, respect for Native Americans, and the abolition of slavery. He was banished and founded the colony of Providence, Rhode Island.
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1633Roger Williams leaves Plymouth Colony due to differences in theology and practice.
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1634 - 1636Roger Williams in conflict with magistrates of Massachusetts Bay Colony; banished in 1636 CE.
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1636Roger Williams establishes the colony of Providence Plantation (later known as Providence, Rhode Island).
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1643Roger Williams writes his 'A Key into the Language of America'; first book on Native American language and customs.
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1644Roger Williams writes his famous book 'The Bloody Tenent of Persecution for Cause of Conscience', arguing for separation of church and state.
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14 Mar 1644The Providence Plantations patent is issued by the English Parliament to Roger Williams recognizing what would become Rhode Island and establishing the separation of church and state in William's colony.
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1655Roger Williams writes his 'Letter to the Town of Providence', encouraging liberal theology and the separation of church and state.
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1683Roger Williams dies of natural causes at Providence, Rhode Island; is buried on his property.
