The Religious Society of Friends of the Truth (Quakers) was introduced into the United States by groups of religious mystics arriving from England in the mid-1700s. Centered in New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, Quakers became known for several aspects of their theology: commitment to non-violence; wide-ranging public service (e.g. hospitals, orphanages, anti-slavery advocacy and service to the poor); an emphasis on strict religious integrity in daily life (e.g. economic transactions); worship service which lacked paid or “hireling” ministers, but instead was “unprogrammed,” based upon silent waiting for Divine inspiration; and social insularity that sought to protect their communities from corruption by “the world’s people.” Often, these communities were marked by idiosyncratic language and dress.

The third-largest American denomination in 1750, their proportion had declined to ninth-largest by 1820. Nevertheless, during the next century Quakers spread across the United States, holding leadership roles—both as individuals and congregations—in various reform movements (notably African American, Native American and women’s rights and prison reform) and sending vigorous missionary envoys to establish schools and hospitals in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. As Quakers moved west from the US east coast, worship styles changed also, and in many locations Quakerism now includes paid professional ministers and “programmed” services that include a prepared sermon and music. In 1990 there were about 300,000 Quakers in the world, of whom about onethird were in the United States. Most modern Friends have abandoned specialized communities, language and dress. However, Quakers remain active in a wide range of social reform, educational and quasi-political organizations, which promote the peace and justice testimonies that are central to their theology.