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› Religious Freedom: Then & Now — 250th Anniversary Program Series

Exploring 250 Years of Interfaith Engagement and Understanding in Philadelphia

› Religious Freedom: Then & Now — 250th Anniversary Program Series

Exploring 250 Years of Interfaith Engagement and Understanding in Philadelphia

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nterfaith Philadelphia, in collaboration with several historic congregations in Old Philadelphia, is launching a year‑long series of programs, both in person and live‑streamed, exploring the history and contemporary meaning of religious freedom as our nation marks its 250th anniversary. Beginning in February, the series offers SPC members opportunities to gain historical perspective, connect with faith communities across the city, and find inspiration for strengthening our shared civic life.

We invite you to participate in this year‑long exploration of religious liberty, with programs hosted each month throughout 2026 at participating historic congregational sites. You can view our list of programs below or by clicking here. Please note that the “Everyday Faith” and “Living the Promise Through Passport to Understanding” programs are not included in our listing.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Upcoming Events & Programs

Women, Religion, and Revolution

Sunday, March 22

Women, Religion, and Revolution
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Historic St George’s United Methodist Church
235 N 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

There were many more than Betsy Ross, and they are so often unsung. From making flags to hosting secret worship services in their homes during the British occupation and other courageous acts, learn how faithful women of Philadelphia made important contributions to the Revolutionary War effort.

Click here for more >>

The Role of Religion in American Life Today

Sunday, April 19

The Role of Religion in American Life Today
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Old Pine Presbyterian Church
412 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Given our historic separation of church and state, how do American Christianity and constitutional democracy interplay? Join a moderated panel of historians and theologians who will explore this complicated history, the missteps and successes along the way, and implications for the future.

Click here for more >>

Dignitatis Humanae_ A Civil Conversation

Sunday, April 12

Dignitatis Humanae: A Civil Conversation
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Old St. Joseph’s Church
321 Willings Alley Philadelphia, PA 19106

Old St. Joe’s, Philadelphia’s first Roman Catholic church, was built out of sight from the street to protect it from religious prejudice. Thanks to the freedoms assured by William Penn’s Charter of Privileges, it was the only place in the entire British empire where Mass was said legally at the time. Learn skills for navigating difficult conversations by joining in a Civil Conversations Workshop based upon Dignitatis Humanae, the Vatican II document written by Jesuit priest and theologian John Courtney Murray which affirmed the right to religious freedom as a civil right grounded in human dignity.

Click here for more >>

Religion and the Immigrant Experience_ Building This Country Together

Sunday, June 7

Religion and the Immigrant Experience: Building This Country Together
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church
243 North Lawrence Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

A panel of scholars, historians, and theologians discuss how the history of religious pluralism in the US is inextricably linked to the immigrant experience and how this informs our future. Learn the history of St. Augustine’s, an immigrant church, which was burned to the ground during the Nativist Riots of 1844.

Click here for more >>

Political Empathy and Religious Pluralism (2) (1)

Wednesday, September 9

Political Empathy and Religious Pluralism
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Gloria Dei Old Swedes Episcopal Church
916 S. Swanson Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

Can empathy, an ability to stand in the other person’s shoes, change how we perceive those who worship and vote differently than we do? Can religious differences be bridged to help us cross political divides? Hear the groundbreaking research of University of Pennsylvania political scientist Dr. Lia Howard and her students as they offer strategies for improving our political discourse and strengthening our democratic institutions.

Click here for more >>

The Impact of William Penn and His Holy Experiment_ Then and Now

Sunday, October 25

The Impact of William Penn and His Holy Experiment: Then and Now
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Arch Street Meeting House
320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

After more than 250 years, what are William Penn’s enduring contributions? How did Penn’s Quaker values inform his understanding? Where did the Holy Experiment succeed and where did it fall short? What would Penn make of Philadelphia, his “Greene Country Towne,” today? We gather at the historic Arch Street Friends Meeting House to delve into these questions with Penn scholars and historians.

Click here for more >>

Arm in Arm Embracing Religious Pluralism and the Constitution (1)

Sunday, November 15

Arm in Arm: Embracing Religious Pluralism and the Constitution
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Congregation Mikveh Israel
44 N 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Christ Church, the birthplace of the Episcopal Church, and Mikveh Israel, the Synagogue of the Revolution, are two historic congregations whose friendship dates to before the birth of the nation. Learn more about how these communities have walked together for more than 250 years and how the Non-Establishment Clause of the Constitution has made that journey possible. Join constitutional scholars and historians who will explore the Non-Establishment Clause and its impact on Colonial America and religious pluralism today.

Click here for more >>

Celebrating 250 Years of Religious Freedom!

Tuesday, December 15

Celebrating 250 Years of Religious Freedom!
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

You are invited to the U.S. Constitution Center to celebrate religious freedom then and now as we honor our historic congregations and all participants in our yearlong observance of the Semiquincentennial! Refreshments and visits to special exhibits will be available from 5:30 to 6:00 pm, followed by the unveiling of the Religious Freedom Quilt and the sharing of important moments from 2026.

Click here for more >>

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