The Amish sometimes referred to as

Amish Mennonites, are a group of Christian church. The

Amish are known for simple living, plain dress, and

reluctance to adopt many conveniences of modern technology

.

The history of the Amish church began with a schism in Switzerland

within a group of Swiss, in 1693. led by

Jakob Ammann. Those who followed Ammann became

known as Amish.

In the early 18th century, many Amish and Mennonites immigrated to Pennsylvania

for a variety of reasons. Today, the most traditional descendants of the Amish

continue to speak Pennsylvania German, also

known as Pennsylvania Dutch.

However, a dialect of Swiss German predominates

in some Old Order Amish communities, especially in

the American state of Indiana.

The rules of the church, the Ordnung, must be observed by every member. These rules cover most aspects of day-to-day living, and include prohibitions or limitations on the use of power-line electricity, telephones, and automobiles, as well as regulations on clothing. Many Amish church members may not buy insurance or accept government assistance such as Social Security.

Members usually get baptized no earlier than 18 and children are not counted in local congregation numbers.

Rough estimates from various studies have placed their numbers at 125,000 in 1992, 166,000 in 2000, and 221,000 in 2008, for a growth rate of nearly 4% per year. From 1992 to 2008, population growth among the Amish in North America was 84%.

Amish populations have higher incidences of particular genetic disorders, including dwarfism, various metabolic disorders, and unusual distribution of blood types. Amish represent a collection of different demes or genetically closed communities, since almost all Amish descend from about 200 18th century founders.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio, USA – Sam Mullet the leader of a separatist Amish sect who was allowing to hit those that were disobeying him, forced some members to sleep in a henhouse and had sexual relations with women married " to clean them ", said on Wednesday the American authorities after informing that he and other six persons were accused of committing crimes of intolerance against other members of the Amish community.