William Manning (Unitarian) facts for kids

William Manning (born around 1630, died 1711) was an English writer and religious leader. He was known as an "ejected minister," which means he lost his job as a church leader because he didn't follow new laws about religion. Later in his life, he became a Unitarian, a type of Christian who believes God is one person, not three.

William Manning's Life Story

William Manning was likely born in a place called Cockfield, in Suffolk, England. His father was also named William Manning. He went to school in Stowmarket and then studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, starting in 1649 when he was about 16 years old. He was a "sizar," which meant he received financial help for his studies, sometimes by doing tasks for the college.

His Family and Early Career

William had two brothers, John and Samuel, who were also church leaders. They all worked in churches until a new law, the Uniformity Act of 1662, changed things. This law made it compulsory for church leaders to follow specific rules and use a particular prayer book. Because William and his brothers didn't agree with these new rules, they were "ejected" or removed from their church positions. William was working as a church leader in Middleton, Suffolk, when this happened.

Life After Being Ejected

After losing his job, William Manning moved to Peasenhall. In 1672, he got a special permission to teach religion in his own home. His brother John, who also lived in Peasenhall, got a similar permission.

William Manning is thought to be one of the few church leaders who were ejected in 1662 and later became a Unitarian. This means he changed his beliefs about the Christian idea of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

In 1686, he published a book of sermons, which are religious speeches. He also sometimes preached in a town called Lowestoft. There, he met another religious leader named Thomas Emlyn. Both Manning and Emlyn read a book about the Trinity by William Sherlock. After reading it, William Manning decided he believed in Socinianism, which is a form of Unitarianism. He discussed these ideas with Emlyn through letters.

Sharing His New Beliefs

William Manning tried to convince others to join his new way of thinking. He was quite successful, and many people from his church in Peasenhall started to agree with him. However, he didn't convince a young student named John Hurrion. His main opponent in the area was Nathaniel Parkhurst, who was the vicar (a type of priest) in Yoxford.

As he got older, William Manning became very deaf and stopped preaching before 1704. He passed away on February 13, 1711, at about 81 years old. He was buried in Peasenhall. His wife, Priscilla, had died the year before in 1710.

William Manning's Published Work

William Manning published one known book:

• Catholick Religion … discovered in … some Discourses upon Acts x. 35, 36, &c., published in 1686.