toleration

Freedom of religion, in countries where there is a state religion.

Toleration became practically universal during the 19th century; but the rise of fascism and communism tended to restrict it in many countries, though most governments still claim to support it. The Reformation accepted the principle Cuius regio, eius religio, meaning that people should follow the religion of their monarch. This principle implied a theoretical equality of religions, and so paved the way for toleration. Modern indifference to religion also contributed to the development of toleration.