- Activists say they stand on the shoulders of their Quaker forebears as they plan non violent action campaigns. They speak coming out of a gathered silence in hopes of building the kingdom of God on earth. But they did introduce solitary confinement to the US prison system- the 'Great Quaker Mistake.' Following seven iconic Quakers, the film takes us from England in 1652, where Quakers were persecuted, tortured and even killed, to their arrival in the New World. They founded a state run on Godly principles - the Holy Experiment, envisioned by young William Penn. He welcomed everyone to Pennsylvania, where they could worship freely. Their testimonies of equality, integrity, community and peace are fundamental to Quakers today. Others whose lives we'll recall include civil rights activist Bayard Rustin; suffragist Alice Paul; and abolitionist and women's rights pioneer Lucretia Mott. Controversial Quaker presidents, Richard Nixon and Herbert Hoover are also featured. In business, Quakers once distinguished themselves by insisting on fixed price trading, insuring a reputation for reliability and honesty. They rose in banking and business. Today the Earth Quaker Action Team is making a difference in climate change, focusing on banks financing mountain top removal. What can we learn from these Quakers about resistance in the age of Trump ? Can they lead us?
- Quakers: The Quiet Revolutionaries tells the story of a spiritual movement that has played a remarkable role in the religious, social and political life of our nation. Demonstrating an influence disproportionate to their numbers, Quakers have led anti-slavery, civil rights and women's rights movements and been strong advocates for world peace. The program will document the rich history of Quakerism from its founding in 17th century England as the Religious Society of Friends to its spread to America and later to African nations in the 20th century. It will also highlight how Quakerism permeates our daily lives through literature and advertising. Viewers will be astounded when they realize that Quakers have truly played an activist role-on stage but somehow out of the spotlight.
Beginning with George Fox's vision, we move through William Penn's contribution to the formation of the government of West Jersey, followed by his "Holy Experiment," Pennsylvania. Many Quaker activists followed Penn: John Woolman, Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul and Bayard Rustin all played important roles in America's social movements in the next centuries. We also study various important developments in Quakerism such as programmed and unprogrammed meetings, Quaker efforts at prison reform, and Quaker schools, and take a look at our two very different Quaker Presidents-Herbert Hoover and Richard Nixon. The call of individual spiritual conscience and community activism continues to inform the lives of modern Friends. Philadelphia's Earth Quaker Action Team is a movement by a young generation of Friends who see opportunity for renewal by going back to Quakerism's roots and bringing them forward into the post-modern age with a focus on environmental activism.
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What is the English language plot outline for Quakers: The Quiet Revolutionaries (2018)?
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