Quakers is the popular name for members of the Religious Society of Friends

Quakers

Quakers is the popular name for members of the Religious Society of Friends. Quakerism developed in England in the 1600's. Today, a majority of its followers live in the United States. England and Kenya also have large Quaker populations. Smaller Quaker groups exist in most other parts of the world.

Quakers have been known throughout their history for their humanitarian activities. They reject war and stress peace education. They have been pioneers in removing barriers to racial equality and have been among the leaders in prison reform and in the humane treatment of mental patients. Quakers have always been concerned with education, and the high quality of their many schools and colleges has been widely recognized.

Excerpt adapted from the "Quaker" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999