Hutterites are pacifists who take no part in politics and remain separate from outside society. In the 16th century, most Anabaptists were simple people who had little or no schooling, they believed "literally" everything Jesus said in the Bible. Because of the perceived ignorance, Hutter purposely started Bible training centers with communal living in order to educate and equip preachers to travel in pairs and spread the word. Most were executed along the way.

Hutterite life was not easy, for in 1535 they were heavily persecuted, but they remained strong in their faith and beliefs. Hutter was tortured and burned at the stake in 1536.

While some were in imprisoned they wrote great books, beautiful hymns and sermons, which the Hutterites still, read and sing today. Peter Ridemann wrote Confession of Faith while in prison. He wrote on matters such as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, prayer, singing, the Christian and war, dress and adornment.

After the persecution in Moravia and the Tyrol, they moved eastward to Hungary and the Ukraine. Between the years 1551-1552, persecution eased and they were all allowed back in their Moravian colonies. These were the good years. From 1565 to 1592 were considered the Golden Years. They had great leadership and the brotherhood grew.

Hutterites were well liked and had a good reputation as skilled craftsman and reliable workers but their trades were limited. Because they were pacifists, they made no swords, spears or guns. Tailoring was permitted, only to some extent, since it could create pride and vanity. Many, however, were medical doctors and were great demand by non-Hutterites.

The Turkish War and the Thirty Years War were not easy times for the Hutterites. They had to keep moving. They moved from one country to another as they were expelled they had to move on. Finally they migrated to Russia and settled in Ukraine.

In 1864, after Russian policies changed (due to Communism), many emigrated to the U.S. and settled in South Dakota. During WWI the majority of Hutterites migrated to Canada because they were worried they would be enlisted in the war if they stayed in the States. True to their transitory nature, however, some did eventually return to the U.S.

They now live in large farming communities in Western Canada and the U.S., maintaining traditional dress and customs, but embracing the most advanced farming techniques. The colonies commonly have 60–150 members who all work together on collective farms. Their most important farming contribution has been the Hutterite Bean which is an heirloom bean that was brought to the U.S. around 1760 and can be grown easily in cold climates.

In the U.S., the Hutterites settled in North and South Dakota, Montana, Washington. In Canada they settled in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Since 1930 many new colonies have started in New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. There are also colonies abroad in Japan and England. The newer colonies (except the one in Japan) manufacture wooden toys, since there is no farming in some areas, however some do farm.

There are about a total of 23,000 Hutterites in about 300 Colonies today. Customs and dress may vary among these colonies, but the religion and beliefs are the same.

And all the believed were together and had all things in common.
They sold their possessions and goods parted them to all men,
as every man had need.

Acts 2:44-45