John Wroe

John Wroe (; 1782–1863) was a British farmer and wool comber, known for founding the Christian Israelite Church. Wroe is considered the fifth messenger in the Christian Israelite tradition.

Early life John Wroe, alternatively spelt Roe, was born on 19 September 1782 in the hamlet of East Bowling, (present-day, Bradford) to Susannah Roe and Joseph Roe, a farmer, worsted manufacturer, and collier. Baptised at Bradford Cathedral on 8 December, Wroe was raised in a devout Church of England household.

Christian Israelitism Following Turner's death in September 1821, William Shaw became the movements successor.

Wroe, although often persecuted and threatened, travelled throughout Europe including Gibraltar, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. He later travelled to the United States, and Australia.

Wroe's name was Latinised as Joannes Roes by his followers.

On 5 February 1863, Wroe died in the suburb of Collingwood, Melbourne in the Colony of Victoria (present-day, Victoria, Australia) aged 81. Wroe left church affairs in the hands of his trustees. Together they had at least 7 children, 3 of which died in infancy.

Cultural depictions and legacy Wroe's life was the basis of a novel, Mr Wroe's Virgins by Jane Rogers. In 1993 Jonathan Pryce featured as Wroe, alongside Kathy Burke and Minnie Driver, in a BBC mini-series adaptation of the novel directed by Danny Boyle.