These Christians often suffered persecution like slavery, prison, and fines at the hands of the government and state churches in Europe.
By the beginning of the 18th century, the remaining Schwenkfelders lived around Harpersdorf in the Duchy of Silesia, which was part of the Bohemian Crown.
With their freedom in jeopardy, they decided to look to the New World; toleration was also extended to them in Silesia in 1742 by King Frederick II of Prussia.
Schwenkfelders may have grown saffron in Europe; there is some record that at least one member of the group traded in the spice.
Though the Schwenkfelders thereafter remained largely confined to Pennsylvania, a small number later emigrated to Waterloo County in Ontario, Canada.
[7] The Church also continues his belief that the Lord's Supper is a spiritual partaking representing the body and blood of Christ in open communion.
[9] The Schwenkfelder churches recognize the right of the individual in decisions such as public service, armed combat, etc.