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Quakerism, Not Quaker State

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Submitted by Shantell on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 11:20am
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The Religious Society of Friends, also known as quakers, is a movement that began in England in the 17th Century. In its early days it faced opposition and persecution; however, it continued to expand, extending into many parts of the world, especially the Americas and eastern Africa.

The Society of Friends has been influential in the history of the world. The state of Pennslyvania in the United States, was founded by William Penn, as a safe place for Quakers to live and practice their faith. Quakers have been a significant part of the movements to abolish slavery, acknowledge the equal rights of women, and end warfare. They have also promoted education and the humane treatment of prisoners and the mentally ill, through the founding or reforming of various institutions.

During the 19th Century Friends in the United States suffered a number of separations. These separations have resulted in the formation of different branches of the Society of Friends. Despite the separations, Friends remain united in their commitment to discover truth and promote it. There are approximately 600,000 Quakers in the world today.

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