The History of Non-Juring and Religious Freedom in England and Wales

Juring is a term used in the 18th century to describe those who took an oath of loyalty to the British crown. Non-jurors were those who refused to take this oath, often because they believed it was unjust or that it conflicted with their religious beliefs.

In England and Wales, the Act of Toleration of 1689 allowed for greater religious freedom and established the principle of non-establishment, which prohibited the state from imposing any particular religion on its citizens. However, the Act also required all clergy to swear an oath of allegiance to the crown, which some dissenters and nonconformists refused to do. These individuals were known as non-jurors and were often persecuted for their refusal to take the oath.

The term "non-juring" is still used today to describe those who refuse to swear oaths or participate in certain religious or political rituals, often out of principle or conscience.