Four Fragile Freedoms have been identified as foundational to Baptists:

1. Bible Freedom: each person is free and responsible to read, study, and follow.

2. Soul Freedom: each person has the right and responsibility to deal with God directly without the intervention of creed or clergy.

3. Church Freedom: each local church is free to choose its own leaders and order its own worship and mission.  No two churches are exactly alike.

4. Religious Freedom: this is the historic Baptist affirmation of freedom of religion, freedom for religion, freedom from religion. The separation of Church and State was important for those escaping the persecution of the State Church of England.