Final answer:
The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, written by Thomas Jefferson and endorsed by James Madison, ended state sponsorship of the Anglican Church, ensured the separation of church and state, and confirmed religious liberty for individuals, setting the groundwork for future American religious freedom legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom was a pivotal law enacted in 1786 that articulated the separation of church and state and underscored religious liberty. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and supported by James Madison, it ceased state support for the Anglican Church—releasing individuals from obligations to support any religious worship or ministry and affirming that one's religious beliefs should not affect their civil liberties. This law was a significant stepping stone toward religious freedom and has influenced subsequent legislation on religious rights, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, which aims to prevent government intrusion into diverse religious practices.
The statute declared that no individual should be compelled to attend or financially support any religious institution, nor suffer on account of their religious opinions or beliefs, thereby ending the privileged status of the Church of England in Virginia and allowing for pluralism of religious beliefs. This revolutionary action established a precedent for the principle of religious freedom that would later be incorporated into the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.