STILLNESS CAN BE MOVING

Who are the Quakers?

Quakers, more formally known as The Religious Society of Friends, share a serious interest in matters of the spirit, in making a better world and in trying to lead a moral life. We take much inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and from other spiritual leaders and faiths. Most of us see ourselves as being on a "spiritual journey", an active exploration.

We meet regularly on Sundays in our Meetings for Worship. We also enjoy each others' company on other occasions, sometimes listening to music together, reading and discussing inspiring works or going for walks. We value the fellowship of others and try to get to know one another in the "things eternal". We are men, women, young people and children from all walks of life, all faiths and none, who share an outlook that includes respect for all other people, even when we don't agree with them, and for all other life forms.

The Society was founded in the 17th century by George Fox, amongst others, and many of the practical beliefs of the founders are still held today. They believed then, as we do now, that violence is against the spirit of Jesus and so you will find Quakers actively working for peace, justice and reconciliation at all levels.

Quakers have helped to begin many charities and non-profit organisations - such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, Greenpeace and Mount of Olives - as well as large businesses.

How do Quakers live?

Quakers think that religion is about the way you live your life. We emphasise simplicity but are aware that living simply is very difficult to achieve in our complex modern environment. We try not to exploit either our fellow human beings or any of God's creation. In our daily life we try to respect the integrity of others and to be honest ourselves. Of course, we are human and don't always succeed.

Since our early days we have believed in the equality and dignity of all human beings. Because of these beliefs, Quakers are known for their involvement in and concern for education, social work and prison welfare, and for relief work with refugees and in times of war.

Many Friends actively pursue their beliefs in one field or another, and find our Meetings a supportive home base and the Friends there a stimulating group with whom to check bright ideas to unsure they aren't impracticable or misguided. Other valued members of our community want nothing more for now than a quiet place to contemplate and build their spiritual life. As Quaker young people build their independence, they network across the area, the country and beyond.

Quakers believe that …

… within every human being there is a spark of something which we could call God or the divine. We sometimes use the phrase the inner light to describe this spiritual awareness. Our methods for worship are held as a silent "waiting in the light", in which everyone present can, in response to the promptings of the Spirit, share their thoughts aloud. We believe that all people can find the holy at all times and in all places without the need for an intermediary.

Our beliefs are rooted in the Christian tradition, although we accept that the Bible is not the sole source of God's truth. So we also look for insights form other faiths.

We have a spiritual handbook called Quaker Faith and Practice. this includes among other things devotional writings, and guidance and principles of good practice relating to the conduct of meetings for worship, business, marriages and funerals. It addresses a wide range of issues including baptism, drugs, racism, prayer, sexism and euthanasia.

It also contains a set of "advices and queries" which we use as a way to challenge ourselves to grow spiritually.