The Williamsburg Charter was signed formally in front of the Capitol in colonial Willliamsburg, Virginia on June 25, 1988, by 88 of the persons listed above as national signers of the charter. This date was chosen for the ceremonial signing because it marked the bicentennial of the ratification of the American constitution by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the call of the Virginia legislature for the prompt amendment of the constitution to include a bill of rights, including adequate protection for the “first liberty,” religious freedom.

Three common responses by the participants underscore the profound impression made by the event. First, due largely to the charge issued to the Signers by Senator Mark O. Hatfield, the public act of signing the Charter had overtones of a covenant renewal ceremony. Signing the Charter was seen to be more than accepting a set of ideas at a merely notional level. It was a public act that created a bond among representatives of all faiths and of none. Responsibilities were set out. Public commitments were given. Something happened. A compact was entered solemnly.