Quakers

Quakers or the Religious Society of Friends are a Protestant denomination formed as a radical group in 17th century England. Its main base became Philadelphia in the colony of Pennsyslvania. Quakers were active leaders of many American reform movements, such as abolition, women's rights, and peace.

Current status

There are about 100,000 Quakers in the United States today. Hamm (2003) identifies seven currently contested issues--the centrality of Christ, leadership, religious authority, sexuality, identity, unity, and growth. The Quakers are heavily involved with the Peace Testimony, support for "People of Color," the American Friends Service Committee, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

Quaker beliefs

While there is a wide range of beliefs among American Friends in the 21st century, the central ones, almost universally shared, are worship based on the leading of the Spirit; the ministry of all believers; decision making through the traditional Quaker business process; simplicity as a basic philosophy of life; and a commitment to education as a manifestation of Quaker faith."

Bibliography

• Thomas Hamm. The Quakers in America. Columbia University Press, 2003. 293 pp., very well reviewed overview of both historical and current conditions