The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, believe in the inner light of all people. Inner light centers around the belief that God is present within all people and people must learn to be silent and list for God. Quakers stress a direct relationship with God.
Quakers settle mainly in the Mid-Atlantic colonies, influencing the large amount of religious toleration experienced in this region. Pennsylvania was a colony in the Mid-Atlantic region that contained a large number of Quakers. Founded by William Penn, for whom it was named, it became a haven for Quakers and other religions seeking to practice without persecution. Penn was given a royal charter by the King of England as payment for debts he was owed. He chose to use this charter to create Pennsylvania for Quakers. Pennsylvania was viewed as politically ahead of its time due to the allowance of freedom of religion, the ability to obtain a free and fair trial by a jury of peers, and its holding of free elections. |
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