Dr. Kurt Leidecker, a scholar of comparative religion and chairman of the Thomas Jefferson Institute, presented his own worldwide vision in a letter to the editor in The Free Lance-Star:

The Thomas Jefferson Institute for the Study of Religious Freedom was established by a committee of the Fredericksburg Bicentennial Commission to commemorate a highly significant event in the annals of the United States. The Institute does not prejudge, condemn, accuse or engage in litigation. It fosters understanding of the world-wide problem of religious freedom and thus makes a positive contribution to church and state relationship and the ecumenical problems on the whole. By upholding, therefore, the kind of religious and intellectual freedom envisaged by Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, James Madison and several other men of the Revolution, Virginia can rightfully be proud.

He added the impact Jefferson’s statute had on the country and beyond:

I always say it was a beacon light for people in Europe. In those days they all took their religion seriously—so seriously they would go to war over it. When they came to this country they were relieved of this darkness the religious dogma. The whole attitude in America has contributed tremendously to religious peace in the world.

Throughout the years in a series or as occasional demands, the institute sponsored lectures, seminars, slide showings, movies, excursions, dinners, receptions and dramatic skits. Talks by cultural representatives of different countries illustrated the progress of religious freedom and toleration in their countries.

Several years after the institution’s founding, Dr. Leidecker was presented with an award for establishing the institute, which flourished under his leadership. He was praised in The Free Lance-Star:

To the Editor,

We would like to express deep appreciation to our City Council for the beautifully written and framed Resolution 83-13 which was recently presented to Dr. Kurt F. Leidecker, one of our most distinguished citizens. The resolution expressed gratitude to Dr. Leidecker for establishing in our beloved Fredericksburg, the Thomas Jefferson Institute for the Study of Religious Freedom, Inc. Membership in this institute, which has become worldwide, continues to grow.

Butler Robinson Franklin
Fall Hill

In its declaration, the institute summed up its mission by making the following statement: “The Institute will serve its purpose best if it has the support of all citizens who feel that the ideal for which it was established is not only a good and valid one, but needs constant re-affirmation and application in daily life by every member of the human race.”