What controversy is Anne Hutchinson known for in the Massachusetts Bay Colony?

Anne Hutchinson is primarily known for her role in the Antinomian Controversy within the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This controversy arose in the early 1630s when Hutchinson challenged the established Puritan religious doctrines. She promoted the belief that faith and grace were sufficient for salvation, which contradicted the prevailing emphasis on strict adherence to the moral law and the authority of the clergy.

Hutchinson held meetings in her home where she discussed her interpretations of scripture, leading many to support her views. This movement significantly threatened the established Puritan order, as it implied that individuals could attain spiritual understanding without clergy, undermining their authority. Ultimately, Hutchinson's beliefs led to her trial in 1637, where she was accused of heresy and subsequently banished from the colony, highlighting the tensions between individual belief and institutional authority.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not encapsulate the central issue Hutchinson was most famous for within the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her stance on women's rights is an important aspect of her story but is not the primary focus of the historical controversy. Similarly, her support of slavery and opposition to the British crown are not themes typically associated with her life and legacy in the colony.