Quakers

Definition

The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a religious group that emerged in England during the 17th century. They believe in the doctrine of inner light or sense of Christ's direct working in the soul.

Related terms

Puritans: A religious group that wanted to "purify" the Church of England from its Catholic practices, maintaining that the Church of England was not fully reformed and needed to become more Protestant.

Pilgrims: Early European settlers who came to North America seeking religious freedom. They were separatists from the Church of England and established Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.

Shakers: A Christian sect founded in 18th-century England upon the teachings of Ann Lee which advocates celibacy, communal living, confession of sin, pacifism and equality between sexes.