Quakers Facts & Worksheets

Quakers are members of a Christian-rooted group that emerged in England during the 1650s. The formal name of this movement is the Society of Friends or the Religious Society of Friends. There are approximately 210,000 Quakers worldwide, with 17,000 residing in Britain. Each week, 400 Quaker meetings for worship are held in Britain, attended by 9,000 individuals who participate in Quaker worship without being formal members of the Religious Society of Friends.

See the fact file below for more information about the Quakers, or you can download our 33-page Quakers worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY OF QUAKERS

• The founder of the Quaker movement, George Fox, born in July 1624 in Leicestershire, England, and passed away in 1691, managed to garner a following of 50,000 by his death. 
• His inspiration to establish this group came from a desire to restore Christianity to its original and pure form. 
• From a young age, Fox noticed the discrepancy between Christian beliefs professed by people and their actions, which led him to become a religious activist at 19. 
• Despite initial persecution and the execution of four ministers, the movement found appeal among many Americans. 
• It flourished notably in Pennsylvania, founded in 1681 by William Penn on the principles of pacifism and religious tolerance.
• Moreover, Quakers played a crucial role in the origins of Christian abolitionism, with some of their founders advocating for the end of slave ownership. 
• In 1696, Quakers in Pennsylvania officially opposed importing enslaved Africans into North America. Collaborating with Anglican Granville Sharp, Quakers established Britain’s first recognized anti-slavery movement in 1787.

THE ESSENCE OF THE QUAKERS

• Quakers, as members of a religious group with Christian origins dating back to the 1650s in England, hold several fundamental beliefs that shape their outlook and actions. 
• Central to Quakerism is the idea that every individual has a divine element, emphasizing all human beings’ unique worth and equality. 
• They oppose anything that may harm or threaten others, guided by their firm reliance on conscience as the foundation of morality.
• Quakers seek religious truth through inner experiences, valuing direct encounters with God over ritual and ceremony. 
• They reject the necessity of priests and practices, as they believe in fostering a direct relationship with God without intermediaries.
• Essential Quaker beliefs include the idea that God is love and that the light of God resides in every person. 
• Those who align their lives with this inner light can achieve a whole relationship with God, and everyone can have a personal, direct connection with God without priests or ministers. 
• Quakers believe in experiencing redemption and the Kingdom of Heaven in the present world.
• Quakers are actively engaged in making the world a better place and are mainly concerned with human rights, social justice, peace, freedom of conscience, environmental issues, and community life.
• Quakers do not consider any book the actual ‘word of God,’ although many find inspiration in the Bible. 
• They are open to other books that can guide their lives, reflecting their belief in ongoing spiritual development.
• Quakers do not celebrate Christian festivals, such as Easter and Christmas, and their communal worship consists of silent waiting, with participants contributing as the spirit moves them.
• Though outsiders often viewed Quakers as a Christian denomination, not all Quakers identify as Christians; some consider themselves members of a universal religion with Christian elements. 
• Tolerance is integral to the Quaker approach; they are willing to learn from other faiths and churches.
• Quakers do not have formal beliefs or creeds but focus on personal conviction and a shared search for truth. 
• They believe in the direct relationship between God and each believer, valuing equality, diversity, and goodness in all human beings. 
• Quakers reject sacraments, formal liturgies, ceremonies, and oaths.
• Quakers do not have elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals; instead, they aim to integrate spiritual and secular life, allowing religious beliefs to influence their actions in all aspects of life.
• Quakers do not have a collective view of the afterlife, preferring to concentrate on improving the present world rather than speculating on the hereafter.
• Quakers traditionally have been skeptical of theology, preferring to focus on personal experiences and the inner light as a guide to truth. 
• They believe that theological debates can distract people from genuine spiritual growth and may lead to misconceptions about their religious abilities.

QUAKERS ETHICS

Work and Business:

• Quakers refrain from working for or investing in companies that produce weapons or harmful products, opting instead for work that benefits the community.
• They uphold strict integrity in business transactions and dealings with others.

Gender Equality:

• Quakers have long advocated for gender equality and treat men and women equally.

Animal Rights:

• Quakers oppose blood sports and disapprove of businesses that exploit animals, such as circuses, zoos, and the fur trade.
• They object to using animals for trivial purposes like cosmetic experiments and have differing views on whether animal experimentation is acceptable for medical research.

Gambling:

• Quakers do not participate in gambling activities.

Alcohol and Tobacco:

• While not explicitly forbidden, Quakers generally avoid or consume alcohol and tobacco in moderation. Quaker Meeting Houses prohibit these substances.
• Many Quakers were actively involved in the Temperance Movement during Victorian times.

Sex:

• Quakers view sex as a gift from God and approach it without judgment, focusing on its role in human relationships.

Homosexuality:

• Quakers exhibit a similar non-judgmental attitude toward homosexuality.

Abortion:

• Quakers have diverse views on abortion and consider it a matter of individual conscience, lacking a unified doctrine on when a person becomes a person.
• They grapple with the principles of non-violence and the desire for women to participate fully in society, which can lead to varying perspectives on abortion.

Contraception:

• Quakers do not collectively agree on the rightness or wrongness of contraception, and many Quakers use artificial birth control methods.

Euthanasia:

• Quakers do not hold a unified view on euthanasia. Some may create “living wills” requesting natural and dignified death if reliant on artificial life support or inappropriate medical intervention.

Justice, Politics, and Society:

• Quakers actively engage in politics and work for justice in the world.
• This stems from their belief in each individual’s inherent worth and dignity, as well as their commitment to following Christ’s example of social activism.

QUAKERS BELIEFS

• Each person has an inner light (a bit of God’s spirit) within them, therefore, all humans are united.
• Only direct revelation from God can provide spiritual truth.
• Today, God continues to “talk” to humans.
• Conscience serves as a guide for behavior.
• The Bible is not viewed as the exclusive source of guidance for behavior and religion.
• Doubt and questioning are vital spiritual development tools.
• All humans can have direct encounters with God; they do not require the assistance of priests.
• Everyone has the ability to choose between good and evil, and everyone has the ability to choose good over evil if they truly want to.
• Christ’s life exemplifies the entirety of God’s truth.
• Quakers disagree on what occurs after death. Some people believe in an afterlife, while others do not.

QUAKERS WORSHIP

Most Quaker organizations hold regular worship services. Worldwide, there are two styles of worship: scheduled worship and waiting worship.

Programmed Worship

• There is frequently a planned Biblical message in scheduled worship, which may be presented by someone with theological training from a Bible College. 
• Hymns, a sermon, Bible readings, shared prayers, and a moment of silent worship may be included.
• The worship is similar to those of other Protestant churches; however, it does not always contain the Eucharist. Pastoral care may be the responsibility of a salaried pastor. 
• This type of worship is observed by around 89% of Friends worldwide. It is widespread in many Yearly Meetings in Africa, Asia, and areas of the United States (central and southern) and is common in Friends United Meeting programmed meetings and evangelical meetings, especially those connected with Evangelical Friends International.
• Some Friends practice Semi-Programmed Worship, which incorporates programmed components like songs and readings into an otherwise unprogrammed worship session.

Unprogrammed worship

• Unprogrammed worship, often known as waiting worship or silent worship, is a key Quaker practice based on George Fox’s ideas and practices. During these gatherings, Friends practice “expectant waiting upon God” in order to receive Divine instruction from within. 
• The meeting has no predetermined agenda, and each worship service is unique. Friends believe that the Holy Spirit motivates individuals to speak, and when they do, they share a spoken ministry in front of others. 
• The speaker, according to Quakers, is God speaking. Following then, there is a pause for meditation before continuing with voice ministry. Meetings might be quiet or include many speakers. 
• Recorded Ministers were formerly rewarded for their ability in vocal ministry, but this practice has been abandoned in many liberal-leaning gatherings. 
• Unprogrammed worship is prevalent in many nations, accounting for around 11% of Quakers worldwide.
• Each individual is regarded equal before God and capable of directly knowing God’s light in this type of worship, enabling everyone present to speak if they feel directed to do so.

QUAKERS CUSTOM

• Quakers do not have a creed because they recognize that words are incapable of exactly describing belief for a large number of people.
• They think that rather than purchasing a bundle, individuals should take full responsibility for their knowledge of faith and strive to spiritually improve themselves.
• Quakers believe that all life should be ‘lived in the spirit’ and do not segregate religion and secular life.
• They also think that religious beliefs must impact a believer’s conduct and that everything in life can inspire religious insights.
• Quakers have no formal religious rites or rituals. They consider these to be useless, and they sometimes refer to them as empty forms. They have no clergy.
• Quakers think that political and other actions to change the world are critical.

Quakers Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Quakers across 33 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Quakers. Quakers are members of a Christian-rooted group that emerged in England during the 1650s. The formal name of this movement is the Society of Friends or the Religious Society of Friends.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Quakers Facts
2. Who Are the Quakers?
3. Trivia Check
4. FAQs
5. George Fox
6. Ethical View
7. Member of Society and Friends
8. Worship Style
9. Infographics
10. Quote to Reflect
11. Let’s Sum It Up

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Quakers?

Quakers, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a religious group that emerged in England during the 17th century. They are known for their commitment to peace, social justice, and simplicity. Quakers believe in direct personal experiences with the divine, often referring to this inner spiritual guidance as the “Inner Light.”

What are the core beliefs of Quakers?

Quakers hold several core beliefs, including:

• The belief in the Inner Light, which is the presence of God in every person.
• A commitment to non-violence and pacifism.
• Equality of all people, regardless of gender, race, or social status.
• Simplicity in lifestyle and an avoidance of extravagance.
• A strong emphasis on silent worship and communal discernment during Quaker meetings.

How do Quaker meetings differ from traditional religious services?

Quaker meetings for worship are distinctive in that they are often held in silence. Participants gather together in a room and sit in silence, waiting for the Inner Light to guide them. If someone feels moved to speak, they may do so, but there is no designated clergy or formal rituals. Quaker meetings are characterized by their unprogrammed, spontaneous nature.

How have Quakers been involved in social justice movements?

Quakers have a long history of involvement in social justice movements. They were early proponents of the abolition of slavery and played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Quakers have also been active in advocating for women’s rights, indigenous rights, and peace activism, including opposition to war and the establishment of organizations like the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), which provides humanitarian aid and promotes peace worldwide.

Are there different branches of Quakerism?

The Tswana people have made significant contributions to South African society in various fields. They have produced notable figures in politics, literature, and the arts. For example, former South African president Seretse Khama was of Tswana descent. The Tswana culture’s music, dance, and art have also enriched the cultural landscape of South Africa.

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