Nonconformism

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Nonconformism Dissent from or lack of conformity with the religious doctrines or discipline of an established Church, especially the Church of England. The term Nonconformist applies to all the sects of British Protestantism that do not subscribe to the principles of the established Anglican Church or the established Church of Scotland. It arose in England in reaction to the Act of Uniformity (1662). Movements such as Congregationalism and Presbyterianism, Baptists and Quakers proliferated. Nonconformist Churches were eventually granted freedom of worship in 1689, and civil and political rights in 1828. Methodism and Unitarianism swelled their ranks during the 18th century.

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