Quakerism originated in mid-17th century England, originally as a
break-away branch of Puritanism. George Fox (1624-1691), an English
preacher, founded the Society of Friends, whose open structure reflects
his aversion to church hierarchy and titles. Fox held that the “Inner
Light,” the inspiring presence of God in each person, stands above
Scripture and creed. This belief resonates through Quakerism despite a
fairly wide variety of practices.Qu...
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Quakerism originated in mid-17th century England, originally as a
break-away branch of Puritanism. George Fox (1624-1691), an English
preacher, founded the Society of Friends, whose open structure reflects
his aversion to church hierarchy and titles. Fox held that the “Inner
Light,” the inspiring presence of God in each person, stands above
Scripture and creed. This belief resonates through Quakerism despite a
fairly wide variety of practices.
Quaker beliefs include the emphasis on plain speech and dress;
opposition to slavery and war; and the refusal to swear oaths, which
Quakers believe undermine the daily mandate for truth-telling. Many
early feminists and abolitionists were Quakers, and a strong social
ethic continues to pervade the work of the American Friends Service
Committee, which shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947.
Quakers, who often met persecution for their beliefs, have also been
champions of religious freedom. English Quaker William Penn founded
Pennsylvania as a "holy experiment," a refuge for Quakers and other
religious minorities.
Quaker congregations are called "meetings," which range from structured
services led by ministers to open sessions where participants speak
when inspired by their own Inner Light. Major Quaker umbrella
organizations are the Friends General Conference of Philadelphia and
Friends United Meeting, based in Richmond, Indiana, and Evangelical Friends International in Ohio.
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