The Quaker Protestant denomination has about 350,000 supporters worldwide. The movement, which started during the strife of the 17th century English debates about Christianity and faith practices, is associated with the founding of Pennsylvania as a colony. The group focuses on pacifism, equality and the "light" within each person.
Here are 6 events that have shaped the denomination since it began:
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1.
George Fox’s vision in 1652 - The Preacher George Fox had been teaching at Puritan meetings in England – telling followers to listen to the voice of Christ that is within every person. It was not until he had a vision at the top of Pendle Hill in 1652, where he believed God told him to proclaim Christ’s power over sin. That became known and the Quaker movement started.
2.
The Clarendon Code - In 1662 and 1664, the Clarendon Code resulted in thousands of Quakers facing prison for "illegal assembly" and refusing to take oaths. A statue of Mary Dyer sits today in Boston Common as a testimony to this time. She was hanged during this time for her religious beliefs.
3.
The Toleration Act of 1689 - After facing persecution in England and seeking refuge in the American colonies, the English parliament offered some freedoms to the Quakers alongside other dissenting Protestant denominations. The Toleration Act of 1689 allowed "nonconformists," like the Quakers, to openly practice their faith as long as they took a loyalty oath.
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4.
The Great Awakening - In the 1700's, a movement of revival swept the American colonies affecting the Quaker movement. The Awakening polarized colonists and many turned to Quaker ideas as a more moderate alternative. The ideas also paved the way for a split in the Quaker Protestant movement.
5.
The Great Separation - In the 1820's, the Quaker Protestant denomination experienced a split between those who wanted to maintain a connection with the more traditional denominational approach, recognizing biblical authority above all else and those who wanted to focus on the "inward light" which guides the conscience of the believer. The traditional group became known as "Orthodox." The other group became known as "Hicksite."
6.
Disputes between Gurney and Wilbur - Joseph John Gurney was a minister from England in the 1800's who emphasized on Quaker teachings that focused on a more mainline view of the importance of the Bible and the acceptance of Jesus for salvation. He advocated total abstinence from alcohol and campaigned against slavery. Those who followed these conservative ideas became known as Gurneyite Quakers. John Wilbur was another minister in the Religious Society of Friends who taught Quakers to focus on the "new light" and was concerned about the changes he saw in early 1800's Quaker practices. He believed in the importance of the Bible, but said that the "inward light" took precedence over scriptural text.
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