Anabaptists in the 16th century

Anabaptists were a radical Protestant group that emerged in the 16th century during the Reformation, advocating for adult baptism and a separation from state influence in religious matters. They rejected infant baptism, believing that baptism should only occur after a personal confession of faith. Their emphasis on communal living, pacifism, and a return to early Christian practices often led to persecution by both Protestant and Catholic authorities. Key figures included Menno Simons and the movement laid the foundation for modern denominations such as the Mennonites and Amish.