Thomas Helwys

Thomas Helwys (c. 1575 – 1616) was an English barrister, theologian, and religious reformer. His theological beliefs is one of the forming basis of the Baptist tradition. In the early 17th century, Helwys was the principal formulator of a demand that the Church and the state be kept separate in matters of law, so that individuals might have freedom of religious conscience. This advocacy of religious liberty could be dangerous at that time. He died in prison as a consequence of the persecution of English Dissenters under King James I, and is considered a martyr.