Editing Quaker Philadelphia (section)

== Quaker Beliefs and Practices ==

The Religious Society of Friends emerged in mid-17th century England as a radical Protestant movement that rejected formal clergy, elaborate liturgy, and the hierarchical structure of established churches. Quakers believed in the "Inner Light"—the direct presence of God within every person—which made traditional religious intermediaries unnecessary. They gathered in meeting houses rather than churches, sitting in silence until someone felt moved by the Spirit to speak. Quakers rejected titles and honorifics, using "thee" and "thou" to address all persons equally, and refused to remove their hats in the presence of social superiors. They dressed simply, avoided ostentation, and testified to their beliefs through their daily conduct rather than through creeds or formal worship.<ref name="barbour">{{cite book |last=Barbour |first=Hugh |last2=Frost |first2=J. William |title=The Quakers |year=1988 |publisher=Greenwood Press |location=New York}}</ref>

These beliefs brought severe persecution in England, where Quakers were fined, imprisoned, and sometimes executed for their refusal to conform to the Church of England. Penn himself spent time in the Tower of London and other prisons for his religious activities. This persecution motivated Penn's colonial venture: Pennsylvania would be a place where Quakers could practice their faith freely and build a society reflecting their values. The Quaker commitment to religious tolerance extended beyond their own community—Penn welcomed settlers of all faiths, making Pennsylvania one of the most religiously diverse colonies in British North America. This openness attracted German Pietists, Mennonites, Lutherans, Anglicans, Catholics, and Jews, creating the diverse religious landscape that has characterized Philadelphia ever since.<ref name="bronner">{{cite book |last=Bronner |first=Edwin B. |title=William Penn's "Holy Experiment": The Founding of Pennsylvania, 1681-1701 |year=1962 |publisher=Temple University Publications |location=Philadelphia}}</ref>