The Funkite congregation formed during the late 18th century when the colonies were building support to separate from English rule.
A Mennonite Bishop, Christian Funk of Franconia Township, Pennsylvania, spoke in favor of supporting the movement.
This went against the doctrines held by Mennonites of non-violence, pacifism, and refusal to swear oaths (including those of allegiance).
[1] In an effort to break away from English dominance and in supporting religious freedom in the colonies, Bishop Funk stated that Mennonites should pay the war tax.
[1] On Bishop Christian Funk's death in 1811 the congregation continued to worship in four locations near Evansburg, Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania until 1850 when the last of the Funkites died out.