Group of islands in the west Atlantic Ocean, and a colony of the British Empire, with a representative government; area, 19.3 square miles. During the 17th century the Bermudas experienced the same religious troubles which beset England. In 1615 a law excluded Catholics from the colony. Secessions from the Established Church took place and the various sects persecuted one another. The Quakers were the principal sufferers because of their attempts to educate the Negroes. Gradually religious toleration was introduced and by a law of 1867, persons taxed in other churches were exempted from supporting the Church of England, and that Church no longer receives government grants. Ecclesiastically Bermuda comprises the diocese of Hamilton. See also: