Friends, Society of

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Christian Protestant sect founded by George Fox in England in the 1660s. They were persecuted for their nonviolent activism, and many emigrated to form communities elsewhere; for example, in Pennsylvania and New England. The worldwide movement had about 219,800 members in 1997. Their faith is based on the belief that God speaks individually to everyone. They have no sacraments or formal creed, and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Worship is simple and stresses meditation. Services (called meetings) are held in a meeting house and have no set form; all are free to take an active part. There are no clergy, but elders are elected. The Friends are pacifists.

The name ‘Quakers’ is said to have come from Fox's reprimand to a judge, whom he told to ‘quake and fear at the word (of God)’. Originally marked out by their sober dress and use of ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ to all as a sign of equality, they incurred penalties by their pacifism and refusal to take oaths or pay tithes. In the 19th century many Friends were prominent in social reform – Elizabeth Fry, for example. Quakers have exerted a deep influence on American life through their pacifism and belief in social equality, education, and prison reform.

Black represents the occupation of foreigners, red represents the blood of freedom fighters, and green denotes Islam. In the middle of the flag is a mehrab, an arch in a mosque where the congregation stands, and a mender, a pulpit in a mosque. The mehrab and mender are both in white, and are enclosed by wheat. Effective date: 5 February 2002. >>