Quakers have a long history of standing up for Christian Values such as Freedom (they were early opponents of slavery,back when they caught Hell for it),Womens Rights (Christ did not discriminate by gender-read about what he said regarding the woman who washed his feet) and PEACE.They do not believe in spiritual middle-men,and therefore everyone at their Friends Meeting may speak if he or she is moved to do so.No one is put up on a pulpit or raised above anyone else.They read from the Bible,and have a discussion or they may also just be silent together,which can be very powerful when done with spiritual intent.