The Quaker movement arose in the mid-17th century in England. George Fox is generally considered the founder of the Quaker movement, although his intention was never to establish a “church.” His journey of faith led him - and others – to believe that every human had the ability to connect with his/her God without the trappings of clergy and structure of church.
Early followers of Fox called themselves "Friends of Truth", as they thought of themselves as friends of Jesus (John 15:15). In time they came to be known simply as "Friends". The name "Quaker" was a nickname used by others, as it was said that they trembled or quaked with religious zeal. Friends have since adopted the term and today the words Friend and Quaker have the same meaning. The formal title of the Quaker movement is now: "The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)"
Today, Quakers live on most continents and have regional, national and international organizations. But within the Religious Society of Friends, the core facet of organization is the local community of faith, usually known as the Monthly Meeting (although we worship at least weekly in community, “Monthly” refers to our periodic meetings to conduct business).
This is the very heart of Quakerism: in every soul there is implanted a certain element of God's own Spirit and divine energy. This element is alternatively known as "that of God in everyone", "the seed of Christ", or "the Light Within."
Friends generally believe that first-hand knowledge of God is only possible through that which is experienced, or inwardly revealed to the individual human being through the working of God's quickening Spirit.
Friends rely upon continuing revelation rather than an established creed. Some Friends’ faith is most clearly expressed in the traditional language of orthodox Christianity, while other Friends could be described as universalists. The absence of creeds is not meant to suggest that it does not matter what a person believes. Rather, since personal beliefs vitally affect behavior, views must be tested by the way in which they are expressed in action, and through community interaction.
Friends are encouraged to seek new light from whatever source it may arise, and to share such revelation in community.
Similarly, Friends have traditionally not focused excessive attention on external ceremonies of sacraments, but rather on the sacredness of all aspects of life.
Responding to God’s call – Testimonies
The writings of early Friends are full of stories of "meetings with God" and of "being led by the Holy Spirit". Sometimes these experiences helped their understanding. Sometimes it was an awareness of something that had to be done as part of God's purpose on this earth. Friends began to use the term 'concern' to describe the experience of Friends who believe that God might be saying to them: "this is what needs to be done - and you are to help do it."
Since Quakers have no formal creed, there is never a single, absolute answer to any question that begins, "What is the Quaker position on. . .?"
Nonetheless, certain principles are marked by the vitality with which they return again and again, in different times and situations, to lead Friends in their efforts to live lives that are faithfully guided by the Light of the Holy Spirit.
Friends call these principles "testimonies." There is no definitive
list of the testimonies, but under different names they have continued to
reappear with both consistency and fresh variation in the lives of the
Friends who adhere to them. Some generally recognized testimonies include:
Friends Testimonies - Integrity
At its simplest, the testimony of integrity means that we believe that it is wrong to lie, and we try to tell the truth in all things and at all times. The concern for truthfulness led Friends right from the first day to refuse to take oaths. An oath according to them was a sign that there were two different levels of truthfulness and they believed that you should tell the truth all the time.
On a deeper level, the testimony of integrity means that we believe it is important for the whole of our lives to be consistent with our belief that we need to "walk our talk", or, as George Fox said, "Let your lives preach."
Friends Testimonies – Equality
If God is directly accessible to all persons, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, economic, social or educational position - if every person is equal in God's love and has equal potential to be a channel for the revelation of God's Truth - then all persons are to be equally valued.
How can one harm another child of God, a potential channel of Truth, no matter how misguided he or she may seem at the moment?
Quakers seek to avoid violence on both the personal and the societal level, and affirm that the Spirit that takes away the occasion for war is available to everyone, everywhere, in all situations. It requires a constant search for nonviolent means of conflict resolution and reconciliation on a personal, community, national, and multinational level.
This testimony has led Friends to actively oppose wars and preparation for wars, to make efforts to ease suffering of victims of war on all sides, and to participate in non-violent conflict resolution.
Links to additional information on the Peace Testimony:
- “Quaker Peace Testimony” (PYM Pamphlet by Mary Lou Leavitt)
- Some Historic Statements Concerning the Quaker Peace Testimony
Friends Testimonies – Simplicity
The testimony of simplicity seeks to focus our attention on what is essential and eternal, without distraction by the transitory or the trivial.
Respect for God's creation and, therefore, concern for the
environment and the right use of the world's resources is another obvious
expression of this testimony.
A growth economy based on extravagance, wastefulness, and artificially stimulated wants is seen to be fundamentally contrary to a testimony of simplicity.
More Information
For more information about Quakers, visit these organizations to which we are affiliated: