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, Ind.
(CTONN)EH BTNH look at that quaker (BTNH) yo where i didnt eat breakfest nigger i think i gots some milk (CTONN) i dont mean Quaker oats the
cereal retard (BTNH)OH then what (CTONN) the quaker look at him the
guy walks like he has hemroids (BTNH) ha ha ha ha ha ha good one wanna go rob his ass (CTONN) SURE why not (BTNH) AFter we
will stick a giant tube of hemroid cream up that QUAKERS ASS
