Homosexuality and Quakerism

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The views of Quakers around the world towards homosexuality encompass a range from complete celebration and the practice of same-sex marriage, to the view that homosexuality is sinfully deviant and contrary to God's intentions for sexual expression. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is a historically Christian religious movement founded in 17th-century England; it has around 350,000 members.[1] In Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, many Quakers are supportive of homosexual relationships, while views are divided among U.S. meetings. Many Conservative Friends and Holiness Friends, both of which have retained traditional Quaker practices such as plain dress, along with Evangelical Friends, view homosexual acts as sinful.[2] 49% of Quakers live in Africa,[3] and though views may differ, the Kenyan Church of Friends does not support homosexual relationships.[4]

  1. ^ For Quaker numbers by continent, see FWCC Section of the Americas – Map Archived 22 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Manual of Faith and Practice of Central Yearly Meeting of Friends. Central Yearly Meeting of Friends. 2018. p. 125.
  3. ^ "Finding Quakers Around the World" (PDF). Friends World Committee for Consultation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 October 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  4. ^ "Quakers & Homosexuality Press Statement, from Friends Church Kenya". Quakertheology.org. Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.