Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

religion

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July 1, 2026

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The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is a regional association of Friends, commonly known as Quakers. Founded in 1681 by William Penn, it was part of his vision for a city built on principles of religious freedom and tolerance. Quakers emphasize a direct relationship with the divine, often referred to as the Inner Light, and their core testimonies include peace, equality, simplicity, community, and care for the earth. The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting was one of the earliest established in America, contributing to the city's identity as the "City of Brotherly Love".1234

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Society of Friends
The impact of evangelicalism
Leaders of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, mostly rich merchants with strong ties to England, were sympathetic to evangelicalism, but many poorer country Friends left the meeting, no longer feeling a unity with the beliefs of the Philadelphia ministers and elders or with the way they exercised their authority.…
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Leaders of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, mostly rich merchants with strong ties to England, were sympathetic to evangelicalism, but many poorer country Friends left the meeting, no longer feeling a unity with the beliefs of the Philadelphia ministers and elders or with the way they exercised their authority.…
Read More