The Quakers (Society of Friends) was formed in the 17th Century. It was thought that a man called George Fox helped form the group and gave its name Quakers.

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The Quakers (Society of Friends) was formed in the 17th Century. It was thought that a man called George Fox helped form the group and gave its

name Quakers. The name Quakers started as an insult to Fox when the judge said to him, “You quake at the presence of God.” He was standing in court after being one of the leaders who started Quakers, which was against the law to worship in any other way than the Roman Catholic way.

The Friends Meeting House we visited in Liverpool is not classed as a church but purely as a place of worship. As Quakers are non-Liturgical (Waiting on the Spirit) they believe actions are not necessary and everything comes from your heart. The room had six sides this had no spiritual meaning; it was so each speaker could be heard in the room as they believe in equal rights. There was a table in the centre of the room containing various books, including the Bible, Quakers Faith & Practice, Structure of Friends, and Advices & Queries. The table was not called an Altar. The Meeting House didn’t have any icons, symbols or even a crucifix. This was because Quakers believe in simplicity and are against wealth and corruption. Which many churches in the 17th contained gold icons and were beautiful places. The Meeting House had no ministers or priests as they believe in equal rights. The Meeting House was a practical building and was simply for the community and worship to a higher power or God.

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The service, which has no structure or hierarchy (warden), begins when the first person enters the building and sits down. The service continues as more people enter the room and everyone sits in silence gathering their thoughts. When someone feels moved by the spirit they may speak, dance, sing or read the Bible to express their worship. They believe you only get out of the service what you put in. The service is very relaxed and informal it is between God and yourself as they have no set rules and their conscience decides. They have various groups like study, discussion, ...

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