Do modern Quakers still conduct their meetings in silence, speaking only if moved by spirit?

Question

Do they have ministers now, or not?

Answer 1

There is actually a spectrum of "Quakers" (that is actually a nickname - the normal title is Religious Society of Friends or Friends Church).

The spectrum goes from Christian to liberal universalist.

The Christian end includes "Conservative" Friends who worship on the basis of silence in the traditional manner. In the early 19th Century, many Friends' Meetings, in reaction to religious revivals, starting appointing ministers and developed services similar to other Protestant churches (but with a short period of worship on the basis of silence). These meetings evolved into the Friends United Meeting (FUM) which actually represents the majority of the Quakers in the U.S, and the Evangelical Friends International (EFI) which split off from FUM in the 60's. FUM is more "mainline" (like the Episcopalians, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist) in orientation while EFI is more evangelical and fundamentalist (similar to Calvary Chapel or Vineyard - in fact, Vineyard was started by a pastor whose background was EFI).

Liberal universalist Quakers are similar to Unitarian Universalists (post-Christian and non-creedal) except they worship on the basis of silence rather than a typical church service which is how UU has their meetings. They welcome everyone from liberal Chrsitians to pagans to Buddhists to whomever feels comfortable there. They are found in the Friends General Conference as well as many of the "independent" Yearly Meetings (such as the "Beanite" Pacific Yearly Meeting).

It should be said that most of these Quakers (aka Friends) collaborate on social action projects through the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

Answer 2

I know that Quakers still hold silent services, but I think they have other services as well. We have 2 Quakers, that I know of, in the divinity school I attend.

Answer 3

slo 18

I think you're getting Quakers and Shakers mixed up. I sometimes hear Quakers call themselves Friends now, but I have no clue about their meetings.

Answer 4

I raise Quaker parrots and they do not talk yet. They remain silent and the spirit has not moved them yet!

Sorry...I couldn't help it. My parrots made me do it.

Answer 5

are there still quakers? i thought that religion died out because they didnt breed