Robert Browne

Browne, Robert 

Born about 1550, in Tolethorpe, Rutlandshire; died about 1633, in Northampton. English Protestant theologian. Initiator of a radical movement in Puritanism.

Browne studied at Cambridge from 1570 to 1572. His study of the Bible led him to reject the organizational principles of the Anglican church. Proceeding from a concept of religious freedom, Browne advocated a self-governing church company (congregation), autonomous and independent of secular and church authority. He pressed for the right of every believer to separate himself from the existing church. Around 1580, Browne attempted to establish an independent company in the city of Norwich, but persecution forced him to emigrate to the Netherlands. He began preaching again in England and Scotland in 1584 and was subjected to constant persecution. He died in prison. Browne’s followers have been called Brownists, Congregationalists, and Independents.