<P> Puritanism was a Protestant movement that emerged in 16th -- century England with the goal of transforming it into a godly society by reforming or purifying the Church of England of all remaining Roman Catholic teachings and practices . During the reign of Elizabeth I , Puritans were for the most part tolerated within the established church . Like Puritans , most English Protestants at the time were Calvinist in their theology , and many bishops and Privy Council members were sympathetic to Puritan objectives . The major point of controversy between Puritans and church authorities was over liturgical ceremonies Puritans thought too Catholic , such as wearing clerical vestments , kneeling to receive Holy Communion , and making the sign of the cross during baptism . </P>
what was the goal of the puritan colony
reforming or purifying the Church of England of all remaining Roman Catholic teachings and practices