Conservative Explained

Conservative Friends (Quakers) use the term conservative in an non-political context. Conservative Quakers largely conserve the same Truth and Christian obedience as Friends of the 17th Century.

From our beginning, Friends (originally calling ourselves Friends of Christ or Friends of Truth) were firmly grounded on twin foundations:

  • Personal experience OF Christ, not only risen but come again to dwell within each
    person, and
  • Vital knowledge ABOUT Christ contained in the Scripture which He, as the Word of
    God, had inspired.

In the 1800’s, two men led many Friends off on two, different paths. First, followers of Elias Hicks (Hicksites) split off to form a branch of Quakerism now commonly called “Liberal” for whom, in our view, “Christ within” has become a nebulous, not truly Christian “that of God within” and for whom Scripture is not highly valued.

Later, followers of John J. Gurney (Gurneyites) split in the other direction, adopting a typical Protestant position that Scripture, the Bible, is the Word of God and the ultimate authority in all things, leaving “Christ within” as the subject, rather than the author and authority of Scripture.

John Wilbur was one of several Friends who stood fast on the original Christ and Scripture foundation. His followers, Wilburites, are now typically called “Conservative” because we are conserving the original understanding and witness of the founders of our religious society.

Conservative Quakers experience Christ as God’s Word and Light within each human heart (see John 1).

Conservative Quakers accept and serve Him in all His “offices” or roles: bishop, shepherd, prophet, ruler, high priest, savior, healer, giver of life. We do not appoint nor pay any human intermediaries, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Individually and as a church body, or meeting, Conservative Quakers come before this present Anointed One (“Messiah”), just as early Friends did, in humble, waiting supplication for His help and true Lordship.

Ohio Yearly Meeting stands as one of three Conservative Yearly Meetings of Quakers in the United States, (listed in alphabetical order):

Historically, Yearly Meetings covered specific geographic regions. With the advent of the Internet, Conservative Yearly Meetings welcome inquirers and members worldwide.