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By 1774, Ann Lee and some eight of her followers had emigrated to America, settling in New York.

There they preached their doctrines and won a surprising following.

Ann herself was a powerful preacher and charismatic personality, travelling around the colonies, particularly in New England, preaching her gospel views.

When confronted about a female ’ s right to preach, she responded that “ all the children, both male and female, must be subject to their parents ; and the woman, being second, must be subject to her husband, who is the first ; but when the man is gone, the right of government belongs to the woman: So is the family of Christ .”