The Puritan clergy were religious leaders in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to reform the Church of England. They emphasized a strict interpretation of the Bible and believed in living a life of piety and moral discipline. Their teachings focused on personal faith, community worship, and the importance of a covenant with God. In colonial America, the Puritan clergy played a significant role in shaping society and governance, particularly in New England. They established congregational churches and were influential in community decisions, often guiding moral and ethical standards. Their legacy continues to impact American religious and cultural life today.