1. The Ongoing Shaker Covenant.
- Author
-
PATERWIC, STEPHEN J.
- Subjects
MEMBERSHIP ,CONVERTS ,COMMUNAL living ,CHRISTIAN sects - Abstract
In the article the author discusses the issue of the Shaker Covenant being closed to new members. A brief history of Shakerism and the written Covenant of the Church is presented. Present-day Shakers follow the Church Covenant written at New Gloucester, Maine in 1832 which provides instructions on how new converts are to be admitted into the Shaker community. Eldress Emma King's leadership in the Shaker community and her opinions on new members are also discussed. The author presents multiple letters and documentation from Shakers concerning membership and notes that open membership is allowed at the Sabbathday Lake community.
- Published
- 2009