AboutDavid Spector Expertise I can answer questions about Quakerism and the Religious Society of Friends from a Universalist (non-Evangelical, unprogrammed) point of view, particularly questions about Quaker religious practice.
Experience I have been a practicing Friend since approximately 1998 and have been active in attending and helping to organize Friends' activities, such as retreats run by our Meeting.
Organizations I belong to I am a member of Friends Meeting at Cambridge (Massachusetts, USA).
Expert: David Spector Date: 5/6/2008 Subject: quackers
Question How did the Quackers felt about women?
Answer Juan, Thank you for your question.
By the way, "Quackers" are ducks (because they "quack"); "Quakers" are members of the Religious Society of Friends. Spelling can make a real difference!
Quakers have a 300-year tradition of full participation of women in every aspect of their religious life.
As with many other religions, the Quakers separated men and women throughout much of that time. Typically, for example, men would sit in one half of the meeting house while women would sit in the other half. But compare this with certain other religions, where women, if they were admitted into a synagogue or church at all, might be relegated to a small balcony space.
I hope this brief answer has helped. Please feel free to submit follow up questions, if needed.
