THE QUAKERS or The Religious Society of Friends

History of the Quakers Established by George Fox (1624 – 1691).Leicestershire. Fox was very disillusioned with established church of the time. He sought to gather around him followers who shared his view that anyone could directly experience God in their lives, without the need for priests of ministers, and without the institutions of the Anglican or Catholic Churches. He believed that God could best be experienced through shared silence. He called his followers “Children of the Light”.

Development of the Quaker Movement George Fox continued to develop the Quaker movement in the UK, quickly growing to large numbers here and in America. Quakers refused to take oaths or take off their hats to “superiors”. Outlawed as non conformists. Meetings broken up. Many were imprisoned (as was Fox), and some left to die in jail, for their simple belief in freedom of worship. National Representative Council is still called “Meeting for Sufferings”.

Quakers gain acceptance Act of Religious Tolerance. Quakers are at last no longer persecuted. International growth. Quakers start to become highly respected for their integrity and principles.(Quaker Oats!) Still disallowed from University system, and the professions as non-conformists.Many Quakers therefore go into business as an alternative. Strong involvement in politics and social reform.e.g. Education for all, slavery, prison reform, womens movement.

A few famous Quakers Elizabeth Fry Cadbury William Penn Rowntree John Woolman Herbert Hoover Kraft Fry Joseph Lister Judy Dench Victoria Wood Joan Baez Ben Kingsley A S Byatt Sheila Hancock Paul Eddington Walt Whitman

Main principles of Quakerism That God is within each of us, and that we can directly experience God without the need for any kind of “intervener” i.e. without a priest, imam, vicar, guru etc. That silence is the best way to experience God, either alone or with others. That Heaven isn't necessarily somewhere else, and that it's our responsibility to try to create it (or replicate it) here on earth. That the way we live our lives, far outweighs the theology we might or might not believe in.

What do Quakers actually believe about God. There are as many beliefs about God as there are Quakers, ranging from very traditional Christian ones to more abstract ideas e.g. a universal life force, a source of spiritual energy. Most Quakers keep their ideas private and a Quaker's concept of God is not an important issue. Quakers believe that God exists, in some sense within us, and is made made manifest in our love and care for others and for our planet.

Are Quakers Christians. Most Quakers would say that they are Christians. Many Christians would say that they're not! Quakers have grown out of the Christian tradition. The Bible is always to be found at Quaker meeting houses, is often read aloud at Quaker meetings. Most Quakers believe fervently in the principles and values taught by Jesus (as well as many other religious leaders).However they may, or may not, believe in the Virgin birth, Jesus as the son of God, the resurrection or the Holy Trinity etc.

Justice,Equality and Community So what do Quakers believe in? the Quaker testimonies: Truth and Integrity Justice,Equality and Community Simplicity Peace

Let your Lives Speak! Attributed to George Fox (1624 - 1691)