The denial of a professional ordained clergy is a distinctive and long-held Quaker practice rooted in George Fox's theology of the priesthood of all believers. In classical or unprogrammed Quaker meetings, there is no ordained ministry; teaching and spiritual authority emerge from the entire community. Worship is conducted in silent waiting, with anyone moved by the Spirit free to speak.

However, this doctrine has developed complexity over time. Some Quaker meetings, particularly evangelical and 'programmed' meetings in North America, have adopted paid pastoral ministers. Yet even in these contexts, the theology remains that all members share in ministry and that pastors serve by calling rather than priestly status. The Quaker Faith & Practice and foundational documents affirm that Christ is the head of the church, making all disciples priests in their own right, and George Fox's Journal repeatedly rejected the concept of a separate clerical class.