# Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) The Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, is a Christian movement founded in England in the mid-17th century. It emphasizes individual direct experience of the divine without the need for clergy or formal sacraments. Quaker governance is typically organized through local Meetings, which make decisions by consensus rather than majority vote. Meetings are grouped into larger bodies, such as Yearly Meetings, which coordinate broader activities and maintain doctrinal and organizational coherence. There is no single Quaker creed; core practices often include silent worship and the rejection of formal sacraments. Doctrinally, Quaker beliefs vary significantly. Some groups remain theologically Christian, while others have adopted universalist or liberal interpretations. Organizational divisions exist between Evangelical Friends (who are closer to Protestant evangelicalism), Conservative Friends (emphasizing traditional practices), and Liberal Friends (more theologically diverse and socially progressive). --- ## Entries