Why were the Pilgrims called Separatists?

Question

Pilgrims wanted to separate from the Mayflower Compact.

Pilgrims wanted to separate from the Church of England.

Pilgrims wanted to separate from Plymouth Colony.

Pilgrims wanted to separate from the Virginia Colony.

Answer 1

The Pilgrims were called Separatists because they wanted to separate from the Church of England. They believed that the Church was beyond reform and sought to establish their own independent congregations free from the doctrinal and political influence of the Church of England. This desire for religious freedom and autonomy was a primary motivation for their journey to the New World.