Hutterites, also known as Hutterian Brethren, are a communal and ethnoreligious group that originated during the Radical Reformation in the early 16th century. Jakob Hutter, their founder, established the Hutterite colonies based on the Schleitheim Confession of 1527, an important Anabaptist statement of faith. Since Hutter's death in 1536, the group has maintained beliefs in communal living, nonresistance, and separation from worldly influences, which led them through centuries of migration across Europe before settling in Russia in 1770 and North America about a century later. Today, nearly all Hutterites live in Western Canada and the upper Great Plains of the United States, with a current population of around 50,000. Unlike other Anabaptist groups like the Amish, the Hutterites have written accounts of their beliefs, including "Account of Our Religion, Doctrine and Faith," authored by Peter Riedemann in 1540-1541. Hutterite theology emphasizes adult baptism, Christian pacifism, and a strong sense of community, including strict rules for communal living and a separation from secular society. Hutterite colonies, known as "colonies," are rural, with most focusing on farming or ranching for their livelihood. In modern times, many colonies have shifted toward manufacturing due to challenges in agriculture. Each colony is largely self-sufficient, handling its own construction, maintenance, and clothing production, though external dependencies have increased recently. Hutterite agriculture is specialized and industrialized, and unlike the Amish, Hutterite children no longer have close contact with farm animals. Their colonies are patriarchal, with men in leadership roles, while women contribute primarily through cooking, healthcare decisions, and clothing production. Colony leadership is structured with three main positions: the Minister (also the colony president), the Secretary (who oversees business operations), and the Assistant Minister. Elections are held for these roles, and decision-making involves a two-tier voting process: a council of senior males and the married men of the colony. Significant decisions are voted on, and officials can be removed through this process. There is variation in leadership cultures across the three main colony types, and women and children, while not having formal voting rights, often exert influence through informal channels. Each colony is also subject to broader governance by a Bishop council, ensuring consistency across colonies within the same branch of the Hutterite community.

Hutterites - Wikipedia