Death of Fox

Fox (George), Death of

January 13

George Fox (1624-1691) was the founder of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, which he organized in 1650 to protest the overly formal religion of his time. An English preacher and missionary, Fox believed that creeds and scriptures were unimportant in religion; all that really counted was the divine light of Christ as it manifested itself in all people. Church was merely a gathering of friends who were guided by the Inner Light and who were thus able to provide guidance for each other. There was no need for an ordained ministry.
In the early days, the "Friends" set themselves apart from the rest of the world by dressing in black and speaking in biblical style. They were known for their efforts in the abolition of slavery, prison reform, temperance, and education. In the United States, William Penn received a land grant that subsequently became the Quaker colony of Pennsylvania ( see Pennsylvania Day). Quakers all over the world observe the anniversary of their founder's death in their meetinghouses.

CONTACTS:
Friends General Conference
1216 Arch St., Ste. 2B
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-561-1700; fax: 215-561-0759
www.fgcquaker.org

SOURCES:
DayRel-1990, p. 11
DaysCustFaith-1957, p. 71
OxYear-1999, p. 34
RelHolCal-2004, p. 89

Celebration day: Jan 13