Religious Freedom: Then & Now

Exploring 250 Years of Interfaith Engagement and Understanding in Philadelphia

2026 Events & Programs
Download Religious Freedom Walk App
Passport to Understanding

Philadelphia’s Legacy of Religious Liberty

As our city marks America’s 250th anniversary, Interfaith Philadelphia invites you to reflect on one of our nation’s most enduring ideals — religious liberty. From William Penn’s vision of tolerance to today’s vibrant interfaith landscape, Philadelphia has long been a place where people of many faiths live, worship, and work side by side.

Our city’s historic setting offers an extraordinary backdrop for exploring how religious freedom continues to evolve — and how it challenges us to build a just and compassionate society within our diverse democracy.

During the Semiquincentennial, join us in celebrating Philadelphia’s national role as a model for interfaith understanding through self-guided walking tours, dialogues, and community events that honor this living legacy.

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Take the Religious Freedom Walk

This self-guided walking tour highlights the unique origin stories of twelve early and historic houses of worship in Old City Philadelphia, along with other important sites such as the National Constitution Center. Designed for both locals and visitors, the Religious Freedom Walk invites you to explore the stories and lasting contributions of Philadelphia’s diverse faith communities.

Look out for signs at each location.

Scan QR codes for event updates, prompts, and discussions.

Download the App!

Get the interactive Religious Freedom Walk self-guided tour and map, created in collaboration with the Dialogue Institute. Explore the history of these sites, reflect on dialogue questions, and track your journey. 

Get the App

Religious Freedom Walk: Passport to Understanding

Get your FREE copy of our Passport to Understanding: Religious Freedom Walk edition! Thought-provoking prompts and practices will guide you on your interfaith journey. Scan the QR code for a self-guided tour and map of Philadelphia's earliest houses of worship.

Pick up the Passport to Understanding at the Philadelphia Visitors Center.

Find a Visitor Center Location

Events & Programs

We invite you to join us for a year-long series of programs (in-person and live streamed) on the theme of religious liberty taking place at participating historic congregation sites each month during 2026.

View Calendar

Participating Historic Congregation Sites*

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church

Oldest congregation in continuous existence in the U.S.

Arch Street Friends Meeting

First Religious Society of Friends in Philadelphia.

Christ Church

Birthplace of the American Episcopal Church.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Early Episcopal congregation near Christ Church.

St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church

The first permanent establishment of the Augustinian Order in the US.

Old St. Joseph’s Church

First Roman Catholic church in Philadelphia.

Old Zion Lutheran Church

Oldest remaining German Lutheran congregation.

Historic St. George’s Methodist Church

Oldest Methodist congregation in Philadelphia.

Old Pine Street (Third) Presbyterian Church

Known as “Church of the Patriots,” historic revolutionary-era site.

Mother Bethel AME Church

First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Congregation Mikveh Israel

First Jewish congregation in Philadelphia.

*Then and Now: The Many Faiths that Shape Philadelphia

While the Religious Freedom Walk highlights some of Philadelphia’s earliest congregations, the City’s rich religious history also includes many other faith communities. Among them are Quba Masjid (oldest Sunni Muslim congregation), the First Unitarian Society of Philadelphia (first Unitarian), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple (first LDS temple in Philadelphia), and the Philadelphia Bahá’í, Sikh, Buddhist, and Hindu communities. Their stories and contributions will be explored through our programs, dialogues, and events, reflecting the full diversity of faith in Philadelphia.