The Act of Toleration emerged from the sociopolitical upheaval of late 17th-century England, particularly following the Glorious Revolution of 1688 which saw the overthrow of King James II. With a Protestant monarchy reestablished, Parliament sought to create a more stable society by addressing the pervasive religious conflicts that plagued England. The Act, passed in May 1689, provided a legal framework for the toleration of various nonconformist Christian denominations, including Baptists and Congregationalists. It allowed these groups to congregate so long as they adhered to a form of worship that did not challenge the authority of the Church of England. Notably, however, the Act did not extend its protections to Roman Catholics, reflecting the continued tensions and hostilities towards Catholicism during this period.

Enforcement of the Act was uneven, with some dissenters continuing to face persecution. However, its passage represented an important shift in policy that laid the groundwork for the eventual broader acceptance of religious diversity in England. It also stimulated a sense of identity among nonconformist communities, who began to articulate their beliefs and practices more confidently in public life. This kind of legislative action demonstrated the emerging principle of religious tolerance which would reverberate throughout Europe and inspire movements advocating for civil rights and liberties.

Over time, the principles of the Act acted as a precursor to later legislative measures in the 19th century, which expanded rights for both nonconformists and Catholics. The Act of Toleration is often regarded as a landmark in the transformation of England’s religious landscape, contributing to a gradual decline in the religious intolerance that had characterized prior decades.