5 Take-aways from George Fox 400
In 2024, Quakers around the world marked the 400th anniversary of the birth of George Fox, the best known of early Quakers. Celebrating the life of one man was a challenge to the Quaker testimony to equality, so focus was on the significant contribution he and others made to the beginnings of the Quaker movement. It was a chance to look back at how the religion started and celebrate the continued work of Quakers around the world for peace, truth and justice.
Ellie McCarthy, Quakers in Britain staff, shares 5 take-aways from George Fox 400:
- Quakers in the UK are more visible. Thanks to staff at Quakers in Britain, Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC), Woodbrooke, and Quakers around the country, an estimated 1.25 million people heard about Quakers through anniversary-related media coverage in 2024. This includes a feature on BBC Songs of Praise, local and national radio broadcasts and coverage in 29 local papers.
- People want to learn about Quakers. Over 65 Quaker communities organised events to mark the anniversary across the UK, many opening meeting houses to the public. Opportunities to learn about what Quakers do and how they worship were very popular, with some events attracting 70 people!
- Quakers are more connected. A week-long celebration at Swarthmoor Hall and an evening of activities at Britain Yearly Meeting saw Quakers from across the country learning, laughing and sharing together. In August, Friends from around the world met in South Africa and online for the World Plenary, organised by FWCC, which included a George Fox 400 celebration. Read more about celebrations around the world here: What 'George Fox 400' has achieved for the World Family of Friends – FWCC
- Quaker history is relevant today. As reparation work by Quakers in Britain continues, learning about involvement by early Quakers in the transatlantic chattel slave trade is as important as ever. Read the blog post here: George Fox 400: Expanding the narrative | Quakers in Britain or explore early Quaker experiences with this resource: george-fox-400-quakerism-then-and-now. Woodbrooke's Fox at 400 programme featured courses on the beginnings of Quakerism and George Fox's legacy. They saw participants from over 25 countries taking part. Four courses will be repeated in 2025: George Fox at 400 - Woodbrooke.
- Quakerism lasts. 400 years on from the birth of George Fox, there are over 400,000 Quakers in the world, spanning 100+ countries. The realisation of George Fox - there is that of God in everyone - is still a core belief of all Friends. From the 1600s on, Quakers have made a substantial impact on the world, working for peace, truth, equality, and justice. Whatever the next 400 years holds, that is a legacy to be proud of.