World’s Fasting Religions in 90 Seconds: Quakers

The Quakers of the Religious Society of Friends are a 17th-century Christian-rooted movement founded in England. Quakers emphasize a direct, personal relationship with God, often referred to as “the inner light.” Core beliefs include spiritual equality, pacifism, integrity, and simplicity. Quakers often reject ordained clergy and outward sacraments.

The Society of Friends had a major influence in 18th-century America. While founded in England, they flourished in the colonies. George Fox was their founder. Fox founded the movement in England during the 1650s after a spiritual journey, seeking to return to a simpler, more direct form of Christianity.

Quakers believed in spiritual equality from the beginning, granting women the same rights as men to speak, minister, and lead in meetings. Important to the colonies were their emphasis on peace, simplicity, integrity, and social justice — especially social justice.

Historically active in abolitionism, women’s rights, and prison reform, Quakers historically and currently use fasting as an individual spiritual discipline rather than a mandated communal ritual. Fasting is often used to seek clarity, enhance prayer, or act as a public witness for peace.

The Society of Friends is one more fasting voice in the shaping of the United States Declaration of Independence and the American experience of pluralism.