The term "Puritan" is often misapplied to a specific group known as the Separatists. These individuals distanced themselves from the Church of England, which is a key distinction. While Puritans sought to reform the Church from within, the Separatists believed that leaving the Anglican Church was the only viable option for their spiritual beliefs.

This separation marked a crucial movement in religious history that predated the arrival of Puritans in America. The Separatists' journey and their motivations were foundational to the development of new communities in the New World, setting the stage for significant changes in religious practice and societal norms.