When Americans reflect on our religious roots and the First Amendment's five freedoms, understanding the historical and social origins that shaped these fundamental democratic values is crucial.  The First Amendment, ratified in 1791, underscores the importance of freedom in religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitioning the government.
 
The quest for religious freedom, central to the Puritan migration led by John Winthrop, was deeply rooted in the religious conflicts of Europe, notably the Reformation.  This era of upheaval challenged the Catholic Church's authority and led to devastating religious wars.  The establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony by Winthrop and his fellow Puritans marked a significant movement towards practicing faith freely, without persecution.
 
The Enlightenment and Age of Reason further influenced American foundational principles, emphasizing reason, freedom, and democracy.  These periods fostered ideas of religious toleration and the separation of church and state, ideals that directly informed the First Amendment’s guarantees.
 
John Winthrop's vision for America as a “City Upon a Hill,” articulated in his “A Model of Christian Charity” sermon, has resonated through centuries.  This vision underscored America's potential as a beacon of hope and democratic values.  It has been echoed by U.S. Presidents, from John F. Kennedy's invocation of being a city upon a hill to Ronald Reagan's depiction of America as a shining city on rocks stronger than oceans.  These references celebrate American exceptionalism and remind us of the pluralistic society that America aspires to be.
 
President-Elect John F. Kennedy invoked Winthrop’s words when he delivered a speech on January 9, 1961, known as the “City Upon a Hill” speech.
 
“I have been guided by the standard John Winthrop set before his shipmates on the flagship Arbella three hundred and thirty-one years ago, as they, too, faced the task of building a new government on a perilous frontier.
 
“We must always consider,” he said, “that we shall be as a city upon a hill--the eyes of all people are upon us.”
 
Today the eyes of all people are truly upon us--and our governments, in every branch, at every level, national, state, and local, must be as a city upon a hill--constructed and inhabited by men aware of their great trust and their great responsibilities.”
 
Then, in his 1961 inaugural address, he invoked once again the idea of America as a “City Upon a Hill” when he offered.
 
“We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as change.  For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago. 
 
The world is very different now.  For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.  And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. 
 
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.  Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. 
 
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.  This much we pledge—and more.”
 
 
President Ronald Reagan referenced Winthrop’s concept on many occasions.  On November 3, 1980, he referred to it in his Election Eve Address, “A Vision for America.”
 
“I have quoted John Winthrop's words more than once on the campaign trail this year—for I believe that Americans in 1980 are every bit as committed to that vision of a shining city on a hill, as were those long-ago settlers ... These visitors to that city on the Potomac do not come as white or black, red, or yellow; they are not Jews or Christians; conservatives or liberals; or Democrats or Republicans.  They are Americans awed by what has gone before, proud of what for them is still… a shining city on a hill.”
 
President Reagan would reference it again in his January 11, 1989, farewell speech to the nation:
 
“I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it.  But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity.  And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.  That's how I saw it, and see it still.”
 
 
In contemporary times, the ideals and challenges articulated by Winthrop and later presidents remain relevant.  America's identity as a nation upholding freedom and democracy faces tests both within and abroad.  The rise of authoritarian movements, political polarization, and challenges to fundamental freedoms call for a recommitment to the principles that define us.
 
As we navigate these challenges, the First Amendment's protections remind us of the pluralistic foundation upon which America was built.  Our commitment to being a “City Upon a Hill” requires reverence for these freedoms and active engagement in safeguarding them.  It is through unity, respect for diverse beliefs, and a dedication to democratic values that America continues to embody the vision set forth by its early settlers and enshrined in its founding documents.
 
E Pluribus Unum — Out of Many, One.  This motto encapsulates the essence of America's strength: a diverse nation united by shared values and a common purpose.  Living up to this ideal remains our collective responsibility as we look to the future.

​Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

America's Role as a Global Leader: Past, Present, and Future
 
Republican Senator John McCain offered these thoughts and words to the American People in his final days.  In doing so, he reminded Americans of our ongoing role as the leader of the free world.  He reminded us how that role benefited the world and ensured America’s economic prosperity and future.
 
“We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil.  We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world.  We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history.  We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.
 
We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe.  We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.”
 
—Senator John McCain’s final words to the American people.
 
In the annals of American postwar history, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the founding of eminent institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank emerged as cornerstone efforts that propelled the United States to the helm of the free world.  The pages of this intricate narrative tell us how these actions bolstered American prosperity and catalyzed a harmonious global order.
 
With its generous flood of dollars into war-shattered European economies, the Marshall Plan wasn’t just about revitalizing economies and restoring jobs—it was also about cementing a stable, thriving Europe as a bastion against potential threats, intertwining European success with American security and economic agendas.
 
When discussing containment, the Truman Doctrine’s pledge to thwart communism’s tendrils offers a salient example.  By extending financial and military aid to nations on the brink of Soviet influence, it ushered in an era of diplomacy over destructive warfare, championing a tranquil world paradigm.  The same is true today with emerging forms of totalitarianism.
 
Moreover, establishing the IMF and World Bank was more than just a mere economic maneuver.  It was a visionary step towards knitting the world into a collaborative economic tapestry, amplifying global growth and, in turn, reverberating benefits across American shores.
 
Esteemed publications, including Benn Steil’s “The Marshall Plan: A Turning Point in History” and David McCullough’s “The Truman Doctrine: A History”, delve deeper into this narrative.  They posit that America’s role as the free world’s guardian has been instrumental in fortifying its affluence and ensuring its safety.  By fervently endorsing democracy, global economic ascent, and peace, America has indeed set the stage for a world order conducive to both its enterprises and its populace.
 
Still, it is imperative to recognize the discordant notes within this history.  Critics have pointed out America’s occasionally overzealous foreign interventions and its propensity to prioritize its interests, sometimes overshadowing its allies’ needs or the greater global good.  Imperfections in our policies have, at times, distorted our best intentions.
 
Yet, the undeniable fact remains: The U.S. is a colossal force on the world stage.  The Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the IMF and World Bank pillars are the keystones upon which America’s influential global stance rests, profoundly impacting American affluence, peace, and the international order.
 
Navigating a Changed World:
 
The world stage today presents both challenges and opportunities.  The ongoing war in Ukraine highlights the need for strong alliances and strategic leadership.  The Israel-Hamas War has thrown the Middle East into turmoil and presented diplomatic challenges we must meet with moral clarity.  America's response, including military and humanitarian aid, underscores its commitment to upholding international norms and supporting democracies under threat.  Then there is China, where navigating the complex relationship with them and balancing economic interdependence with strategic competition remains a delicate dance.
 
Globally, rising populism and nationalism challenge the existing world order, potentially hindering America's global leadership.  A leadership role the world still desires and seeks.  Addressing these concerns requires open dialogue, demonstrating the benefits of international cooperation, and upholding shared values like democracy and human rights.
 
The Biden Administration’s era ushers in a renewed global focus.  Reaffirming our nation’s commitment to global covenants like the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization reassures our allies and ensures America’s continued dedication to international camaraderie.
 
Biden’s strategical moves—whether in bolstering foreign aid with an emphasis on democracy and human rights, rekindling alliances that were frayed, or leading the charge against climate change—have not only reasserted America’s global leadership but also ensured a win-win for global prosperity and American economic vitality.
 
But it’s not just about rekindling old ties.  The administration, with astute vision, has extended its hand towards emerging partners in regions like Southeast Asia while attempting to restore faith among allies who might have felt sidelined in the recent past.
 
The dividends of these meticulous maneuvers are manifold.  Expanded markets for American products, surges in foreign investments, and a more predictable, peace-laden global landscape promise a rejuvenated American economy, with the middle-class standing to reap substantial benefits.  America’s economy is the strongest in the world, and our standard of living and median household income (~$75K) reflect this economic strength. 
 
Reconsidering Foreign Policy:
 
America's foreign policy must evolve to address contemporary concerns.  While acknowledging criticisms of past interventions, let's focus on learning and improving.  We can prioritize diplomacy and multilateralism while ensuring greater accountability and effectiveness in foreign and military aid programs.  Addressing concerns about unilateralism involves actively seeking consensus and building coalitions for shared goals.
 
The Biden Administration’s renewed focus on global outreach and collaboration underscores a conscious effort to reaffirm America’s indispensable role in international leadership.  It’s a stark departure from a previously insular stance, emphasizing a profoundly interconnected America, valuing democracy, human rights, and economic liberty and striving for a more just, equitable, and peacefully interdependent world.
 
The foundation of America’s leadership is its bipartisan consensus.  Throughout history, Republicans and Democrats have played critical roles in asserting the nation’s global position.  President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, for example, led the country during the closing years of the Cold War.  His role in precipitating the fall of the Iron Curtain and facilitating arms reduction agreements with the then-Soviet Union resonates with America’s commitment to a more peaceful and open world.  On the other side of the aisle, Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt spearheaded the creation of the United Nations, aimed at fostering global peace and cooperation, further showcasing that commitment is universally American and not just confined to a particular party.
 
It’s also important to note that bipartisan support has been evident in Congressional decisions.  Whether it was the funding of the Marshall Plan, the approval of NATO, or the formation of critical trade agreements, leaders from both parties frequently came together for the nation’s more extensive interests.  This cross-party consensus reflects the understanding that America’s role on the global stage is not just an external exertion of power but also an integral part of its domestic policy, affecting job creation, technological innovation, and overall economic health.
 
Furthermore, the collaboration between Republicans and Democrats goes beyond formal decisions.  The work of non-governmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and even cities in international spaces has often been supported by leaders from both parties.  The belief that America benefits from a world where freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity flourish is shared across the spectrum.
 
America’s bipartisan approach to its global leadership role indicates a mature democracy.  Even in times of internal strife and polarized politics, the understanding that the nation’s global responsibilities transcend party lines has been a stabilizing force.  While administrations may shift and policies might undergo revisions, the underlying ethos of America’s commitment to a free, prosperous, and peaceful world remains consistent, regardless of the party in power.  This collective responsibility, owned and upheld by both Republicans and Democrats, is what sets America apart and reinforces its position as a leading global player.
 
Looking Ahead:
 
The future presents exciting possibilities, and America's leadership is crucial in shaping the global order of tomorrow.  Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence necessitate collaboration on ethical guidelines and responsible development.  Rebuilding trust with allies and partners requires demonstrably upholding shared values and addressing their concerns.
 
A United Call for Bipartisan Leadership:
 
Abraham Lincoln's words about preserving national unity resonate deeply today.  Just as the "mystic chords of memory" held America together during its darkest hour, our collective commitment to a just and peaceful world can bridge present divisions.  Reinvigorating bipartisan consensus on global leadership is essential. This collective responsibility, owned and upheld by Democrats and Republicans alike, will ensure America continues to play a constructive role on the world stage.
 
In closing, please consider the words of President Abraham Lincoln, who understood the great need to preserve our national unity and a greater vision of who we are as a nation and as a people. 
  
“We are not enemies, but friends.  We must not be enemies.  Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.  The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
 
—Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861
  
We must consider how it is past time for us to let the better angels of our nature rule our hearts and minds as Americans.  And we should ask the same of our leaders and those we have elected to represent us and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.  
 
Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." Let us embrace a shared vision of a world where freedom, democracy, and opportunity flourish, guided by the better angels of our nature.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham