Final answer:
It is true that Puritan women often outnumbered men in church congregations in New England. However, leadership roles and authority within the church were typically reserved for men, reflecting the broader societal restrictions on women's rights during that era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Puritan women outnumbered Puritan men in the churches of New England is true. Puritan society was highly religious, and church attendance was a significant aspect of daily life. Women, indeed, were often more numerous in church congregations than men. Notably, in the context of the Puritan religion, certain rights were restricted; for example, only men could participate in some church decisions, and women were not granted the same leadership roles and authority as men. The Puritan emphasis on scripture and literacy was foundational, necessitating a close reading of scripture for all members of the community. However, in the broader scope of society and politics, women's rights were highly limited. For instance, no state constitution in the Revolutionary Era allowed women the right to vote.