Where people who did not follow the established church often persecuted

Question

Where people who did not follow the established church often persecuted

 

Answer 1

If you are referring to colonial era churches in America, then tragically, there were cases of persecution.  Some (but not all) of the Puritan churches in colonial America were harsh, while others were more tolerant.  The Pietist churches generally were tolerant, although they agreed with the theology of the Puritans, but without coercing others to adhere to the same.  Many of the early colonial settlers came to America to escape state control of the Church of England.  They did not believe the King of England had the right to make himself "head of church" and to appoint bishops and other church leaders.  They also believed that you should interpret the Bible according to your own conscience, not according to the "official" state church.  The Quakers in Pennsylvania were somewhat strict in their practices, while at the same time denouncing religious persecution and denouncing mistreatment of the local natives by the settlers.  One of the ironies is that even though there was intolerance among many of the early churches, it is also true that many of those same churches opposed slavery.  They believed in having servants, but not in owning them.  Calvinist churches were strict, yet they they practiced charity very liberally.  Perhaps worst of all was the influence of superstition, which led to witch hunts and things like that.  It is a mixed history, revealing some of the best and worst of religious practices.

Answer 2

Hello Anna,

 

You don't specify the time and place here.  Since the subject is listed as U.S. History, I assume you're talking about the Church of England and the persecution of "dissenters" who disagreed with its teachings and fled the country to gain religious freedom.  But that's a guess on my part.  Until I have more specific information, I'm unable to help you here.