OVERVIEW
Full name of organisation	Religious Society of Friends Incorporated
Short name / acronym	Quakers
Short description	The Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, traces its roots to seventeenth-century England. It originated from the spiritual experiences of George Fox, although prior to its formation, a group of Seekers had already distanced themselves from established churches, gathering for worship without ordained clergy or traditional rituals like baptism or the eucharist. Their worship centered on silent communion with God. Many Seekers looked to Fox as their leader, eventually giving rise to the Religious Society of Friends. It’s important to note that they have no affiliation with the Puritans or the Amish, a common misconception. Interestingly, a significant number of early British settlers in Australia, including convicts, were Quakers. In 1832, two notable English Quakers, James Backhouse and George Washington Walker, arrived in Australia with the backing of their local congregations. Today, there are approximately 2,000 Quakers in Australia.
Organisation type	Community Group
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URLs	https://www.quakersaustralia.org.au/
Group Affiliation(s)	Christian