Thomas Helwys

Thomas Helwys was an early 17th-century English Baptist leader and founder of the first Baptist congregation in England. He is known for advocating religious freedom and individual conscience, emphasizing the right of each person to interpret the Bible without state interference. Helwys's seminal work, "A Declaration of Faith," argued for the separation of church and state and criticized the oppression of nonconformists. His ideas laid the groundwork for later movements advocating for religious liberty, influencing modern democratic principles. He is also notable for his courage, as he faced imprisonment for his beliefs, ultimately dying in jail for his convictions.