Which act provided a safe haven for Catholics in the colonies?

The Maryland Act of Tolerance, enacted in 1649, was significant in providing a safe haven for Catholics in the American colonies, particularly in Maryland, where the act originated. This legislation welcomed religious freedom for all Christians, but primarily aimed to protect the rights of Catholic settlers, who faced discrimination and persecution in predominantly Protestant England.

The Act allowed for the practice of Catholicism and established a legal framework that ensured tolerance towards different Christian denominations. This was particularly important in an era when freedom of worship was not commonly guaranteed and severe penalties were imposed for practicing religions that diverged from the established norms.

In contrast, other options do not pertain to the protection of Catholics or the establishment of religious tolerance in the colonies. The Proclamation of 1763 primarily dealt with territorial management following the French and Indian War. The Declaration of Rights refers to various historical documents that asserted specific rights, typically in the context of governance and not focused on religious tolerance. The Townshend Acts were British legislative measures imposing taxes on the colonies that stoked resentment, not aimed at providing safety for any religious group. Thus, the Maryland Act of Tolerance stands out as the correct answer due to its direct purpose in safeguarding the Catholic faith within the colonial landscape.