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Why did many Anglican clergy leave the American colonies during the Revolution?

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The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., features Gothic-style architecture with tall towers, pointed arches, and a large rose window above the main entrance. — The Episcopal Church Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

During the American Revolution, many Anglican clergy left the American colonies primarily because they were Loyalists who had taken an oath of allegiance to the British Crown at the time of their ordination.12

Because of these vows, many clergymen felt bound to support the king, which placed them in direct opposition to the revolutionary cause. As the conflict intensified, the church faced significant persecution and a decline in membership. Facing hostility from patriots and the threat of being treated as traitors, many of these clergy were forced to flee to England or Canada to seek asylum. While some clergy supported the Revolution, the institutional ties of the Church of England to the British monarchy made the position of its ministers particularly precarious during the struggle for independence.12