The evangelical-liberal polarities have continued, with the liberal theology dominant in Europe, Britain, and some parts of the Americas. But the pendulum has swung the other way for much of America and the world. For the last few decades’ evangelicalism has become dominant. Various theological movements following World War II helped Quakers regain a more central theology, with evangelical fervor and social concern becoming more often paired than polarized. Several movements for spiritual renewal are bearing fruit in membership gains, in the enrichment of spiritual life, and in doctrinal clarity. Scholarly research and writing have reasserted the Christ-centered, prophetic character of the early Quaker Awakening. Since 1959 the journal Quaker Religious Thought has provided a useful forum.

The Association of Evangelical Friends, meeting triennially from 1947 until 1970, restated the evangelical character of the Quaker beginnings. This movement gave rise to the Evangelical Friends Alliance (EFA), formed in 1965 by several independent yearly meetings, including Northwest Yearly Meeting. Regionalism has been reduced for these Friends as they have cooperated in missions, publications, education, social concerns, youth work, and evangelism. In 1989 EFA was instrumental in the formation of Evangelical Friends International which is made up of four regions: Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America.

National pastors conferences have brought together American ministers from both Friends United Meeting and Evangelical Friends (Alliance) International/NA Region. Various regional and world youth gatherings have strengthened Quaker identity. The All-Friends Conference at St. Louis in 1970 became a catalyst for renewal. The subsequent Faith and Life movement, with its various conferences and study materials, has had similar results. The publications and visiting ministry of the New Foundation movement has also brought spiritual renewal, especially to non-pastoral Friends. The Friends Educational Council and the Friends Association of Higher Education have facilitated spiritual concern for Friends schools. The Friends World Committee for Consultation, begun in 1937, has been used increasingly in recent years by the various yearly meetings for exchanging information and effecting dialogue. Its regional conferences, such as the Conference of Friends in the Americas in 1977, and its periodic world conferences have enhanced mutual understanding, clarified differences, reduced provincialism, deepened spirituality, and opened the way for a more global witness.