British Quakers: Mission and message - Quaker community

Stuart Masters, in the fifth article of the series, considers the experience of early Quakers

by Stuart Masters 1st November 2013

The rapid initial expansion and significant impact of the early Quaker movement was based on the clarity and relevance of its message and the vigour with which it was communicated and promoted by the itinerant ministers. However, ongoing growth and the long-term survival of the movement owed much to the nature and character of the communities established by early Friends. So, what was it that made early Quaker communities so robust, attractive and successful?