The Amish Community and Mennonites

The Amish and Mennonites both originated from the Anabaptist movement (those who rejected infant baptism) in Europe. In 1693, a Swiss Anabaptist leader named Jacob Ammann expressed his concern that the church was conforming too much to the world, and was failing to practice what he believed was the proper form of Biblical church discipline, shunning. Those who followed Ammann formed what would become the Amish church.In the centuries that followed, Amish communities became known for their plain dress, mustache-less beards, head coverings, buggies, and simple lifestyle. Many Mennonite communities, however, engage in some of these same practices. So, how can you tell the difference?Mennonite men may or may not have a beard, straw hat, or suspenders. In fact, many Mennonite men look no different from any other "English" man walking down the street. That said, they could also look almost exactly like the Amish fellas you've seen in pictures and on Lancaster County postcards! This is because there are a vast array of Mennonite sects, with different communities having different rules regarding their appearance and interaction with the world.