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'Soaked into the wood': A visit to the birthplace of religious liberty

NPR | By Jason DeRose

Published June 22, 2026 at 3:45 PM CDT

Religious liberty was one of the founding pursuits of America. Rhode Island was founded on the idea that the intermingling of religion and government damages both church and state.

Jason DeRose

Jason DeRose is the Western Bureau Chief for NPR News, based at NPR West in Culver City. He edits news coverage from Member station reporters and freelancers in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii. DeRose also edits coverage of religion and LGBTQ issues for the National Desk.

See stories by Jason DeRose