The Society of Friends

The Society of Friends
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Name	The Society of Friends
Founder	George Fox
Founded date	Mid-17th century
Founded place	England
Headquarters	Friends House, London
Area	Worldwide
Congregations	Yearly Meetings
Members	Approximately 400,000
Website	https://www.quaker.org

The Society of Friends. Commonly known as Quakers, it is a historically Protestant Christian movement founded in England in the 17th century. Central to its faith is the doctrine of the Inner Light, the belief that there is that of God in every person. The movement is known for its commitment to pacifism, social justice, and a distinctive form of worship that often emphasizes silent waiting.

History

The movement emerged in the religious ferment of the English Civil War, founded by George Fox who began preaching in the 1640s. Early Friends, including figures like Margaret Fell and James Nayler, faced severe persecution from authorities in England and its colonies, such as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Act of Toleration 1688 brought some relief, allowing the community to consolidate. A pivotal early settler was William Penn, who established the Province of Pennsylvania as a "Holy Experiment" in religious freedom. The 18th and 19th centuries saw significant growth in North America and efforts in abolitionism and social reform.

Beliefs and practices

Quaker theology emphasizes direct, unmediated experience of God, often referred to as the Inner Light or "that of God in everyone." This leads to a distinctive approach to sacraments and clergy, rejecting formal rituals and an ordained priesthood. Worship is primarily conducted in meetings for worship, which may be "programmed" with elements like sermons or "unprogrammed," centered on communal silence. Testimonies, such as those for peace, integrity, simplicity, and equality, guide practical life and social action. Decision-making follows a discernment process seeking unity under divine guidance.

Organization and structure

The Society of Friends has a decentralized polity. The primary local unit is the monthly meeting, which oversees congregational life. These groups belong to larger quarterly meetings and regional yearly meetings, such as Britain Yearly Meeting or Friends General Conference. There is no central global hierarchy, though bodies like the Friends World Committee for Consultation facilitate communication. Major branches include the theologically liberal Friends General Conference, the evangelical Evangelical Friends Church International, and the conservative Friends United Meeting.

Notable members and influence

Historically influential members include William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania; abolitionists Lucretia Mott and John Woolman; and suffragist Susan B. Anthony. Scientists like John Dalton and Arthur Eddington were Friends, as were entrepreneurs like Joseph Rowntree and John Cadbury. The movement's commitment to peace is exemplified by the work of the American Friends Service Committee, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947. Quaker influence is also notable in education, with institutions like Swarthmore College and Earlham College.

Modern Quakerism

Today, Quakers are a global but numerically small movement, with significant populations in Kenya, the United States, Bolivia, and the United Kingdom. Modern activities heavily emphasize peacebuilding, human rights advocacy through organizations like Quaker Peace & Social Witness, and humanitarian relief. Theological diversity ranges from Christ-centered evangelicalism to universalist and non-theist perspectives. Contemporary issues of focus include climate justice, prison reform, and supporting groups like the United Nations through permanent representatives.

Category:Protestantism Category:Christian denominations Category:Religious organizations established in the 17th century