Amanda+C.+-+RC+-+SP13

** of United Society’s Of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing  **
 * Mother Ann Lee **
 * Active Years: 1747 - 1784 **

Mother Ann Lee wanted to, in a sense, create heaven on Earth. Followers of the United Society Of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing accepted Mother Ann Lee as their leader. Lee advocated, most notably, for celibacy, pacifism, and dancing, from which the name ‘Shakers’ derives. She was a noteworthy supporter of equality for all, as she firmly believed God had a dual gender. To some degree, she believed she was the female Messiah, or Jesus’s female counterpart.
 * Goals and Criticism **

To spread her message, Mother Ann would often preach and march on missionary trips to gain converts, despite persecution. Testimonies describe Mother Ann’s “heavenly voice” and connecting with followers through touch and speaking of things that she had no way of knowing about. However, Mother Ann’s vision of a racially and sexually equal utopia attracted many, especially in an age where men and enslaving each other and women were oppressed. At it’s peak, the United Society Of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing was six thousand strong, and a few still live in Maine to this day. For example, Mother Ann promised Zaddock Wright he was would be “delivered” and taught Wright a new perspective about the Revolution, when they were in jail together. After speaking with Mother Ann, Wright, previously a Royalist, suddenly became a rebel, as he said “The hand of God was in the Revolution.” Mother Ann had a vision of peace and prosperity in her teachings, and she was able to achieve it. Her methods were quite successful, and she continued her work and preaching until her death in 1784.
 * Methods and Successes **

Should Congress pass laws targeting the persecution of the United Society of Believers of Christ’s Second Appearing, the Shaker communes could more easily spread the message of peace. By disallowing the persecution, the Shaker community can quickly grow, and allow for the development of harmonious, hard-working, prosperous communities everywhere. Furthermore, the Shakers are the ultimate supporters of equal rights, and Andrew Jackson believes in the ideals of the common man running the government, much like the attitude of the Shakers; everybody should be able to have an influence in the government. Jackson’s endorsement of the Shakers could benefit both parties, generally placing a greater emphasis on equality, something that both sides support to some extent. Moreover, the Shakers ask that Mother Ann or any other Shaker be arrested for treason or anything of the sort, as Mother Ann has once been detained.
 * Government Support **

Jesus was the man version of Mother Ann, and they’re like brother and sister. God also gave Mother Ann a lot of visions throughout her life.
 * References and Relationships **

Bibliography "About the Shakers." PBS. WETA, 2002. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. . Lee, Ann. "Compendium." Shakers Compendium (1859) by F.W. Evans. The Shakers, 1859. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. . "The Shaker Movement." Shaker Village. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. . "The Shakers." National Park Service. National Park Service, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. . "The Shakers." Shaker Historical Society. The Shaker Historial Society, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. .