Quakers Today

All Quakers in the world share common roots in a Christian movement that arose in England during the middle of the 17th century. Separations over our history have resulted in different branches of Friends that emphasize different parts of this common history, while having departed from it in different ways over the course of our evolution. Today, modern Friends exhibit significant variations in the ways we interpret our traditions and practice our beliefs.

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is one of the oldest yearly meetings of the Religious Society of Friends in the United States.   Our meetings are predominantly unprogrammed, which means that we emphasize the authority of the divine Inward Light as revealed to us through patient waiting for and discernment of the divine Spirit.  Our membership contains both those who identify themselves as Christians as well as many who identify more closely with 'universalist' identity.

In the United States, there are at least four distinct branches of Friends.  The features that distinguish these four branches most markedly are:

• manner of worship ("unprogrammed" silent worship without formal clergy vs. "programmed" or "pastoral" worship guided by a pastor);
• theological emphasis ("Christ centered," placing the strongest emphasis on the authority of Christian scripture, vs. "liberal," placing the strongest emphasis on the authority of the Inward Light);
• evangelism (some branches practice missionary or evangelical work, as well as social service, while others limit themselves primarily to social service work);
• affiliating organizations (the three organizations through which many North American Friends are affiliated include Friends General Conference, Friends United Meeting and the Evangelical Friends Church International.  Some Friends are associated with none of these organizations; some are affiliated with more than one.

Unprogrammed (Liberal) Friends

Liberal Friends meetings practice unprogrammed worship. We emphasize the authority of the Inward Light, and our membership contains both those who identify themselves as Christians and those who identify themselves as universalists. We are often active in service and testimonu work, but generally not in missionary or evangelical activities.  Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is affiliated with Friends General Conference, as are most unprogrammed meetings.

Pastoral Friends

Pastoral Friends meetings practice "programmed" worship services guided by clergy. This branch has traditionally emphasized the authority of Christian scripture. They are active in service and missionary work. Most pastoral Friends meetings are affiliated through Friends United Meeting.

Conservative Friends

Conservative Friends adhere to unprogrammed worship, and some members continue to practice traditional "plainness" of dress and speech. They acknowledge the authority of Christ Within and also of the Christian scripture. 

Evangelical Friends

Evangelical Friends churches are similar to other Evangelical Christian bodies, with a strong emphasis on the authority of Christian scripture. These Friends practice programmed worship and are more likely to call their congregation a "church" rather than a "meeting." They are active in missionary, evangelical and service work, and are generally affiliated with Evangelical Friends Church International.