Sharon- There are two different branches of modern Quakers. Those that you say are "...pretty much like your typical Protestant worship service..." do certainly exist and are generally fairly conservative (Richard Nixon was one of these). These are called Pastoral Quakers But there is still a thriving branch of the tree that meets in silence. The members meet and meditate. If someone is moved by God to speak, he or she "breaks the silence". Silent meeting Quakers tend to be more liberal, they are the Quakers who are likely to be consiencious (sp?) objectors, etc. These are known as Unprogrammed Meetings. An unprogrammed meeting is a very interesting experience-although not my cup of tea for every Sunday-I have always found them to be moving :-)