"of the things that are of profit to all mankind, the worship of god ought rightly to be our first and chiefest care. christians and all others should have freedom to follow the kind of religion they favour. we therefore announce that all who choose christianity are to be permitted to continue therein, without any let or hindrance, and are not to be in any way troubled or molested. at the same time, all others are to be allowed the free and unrestricted practice of their religions; for it accords with the good order of the realm and the peacefulness of our times that each should have freedom to worship god after his own choice." - emperor constantine, ad 313