Society of Friends

Quakers Logo.png

 

 

 

The Society of Friends, known as Quakers, is a world-wide worshiping community with roots in a Christian movement that arose in 17th century England.

The Essence of Quakers

Quakers believe that there is something of God in everybody and that each human being is of unique worth. This is why Quakers value all people equally, and oppose anything that may harm or threaten them. Quakers seek religious truth in inner experience, and place great reliance on conscience as the basis of morality. We emphasise direct experience of God rather than ritual and ceremony. 

Quakers integrate religion and everyday life. We believe God can be found in the middle of everyday life and human relationships, as much as during a meeting for worship.

Among key Quaker beliefs are:

  • God is love
  • the light of God is in every single person
  • a person who lets their life be guided by that light will achieve a full relationship with God
  • everyone can have a direct, personal relationship with God without involving clergy

Quakers work actively to make this a better world. We are particularly concerned with:

  • human rights, based on our belief in equality of all human beings
  • social justice
  • peace
  • freedom of conscience
  • environmental issues - Quakers seek to live simply so as to reduce the burden on the world
  • community life

Most Quakers regard the Bible as a very inspirational book but they also read sacred books from other religious traditions to help guide their spiritual lives.

Friends believe that the evidence of the workings of the Divine Spirit must be seen in daily behavior and practices of Friends. We call these active expressions of God's love "testimonies. As a group, we find that listening to and following God leads to:

  • Simplicity—focusing on what is truly important and letting other things fall away.
  • Peace—seeking justice and healing for all people; taking away the causes of war in the ways we live.
  • Integrity—living as whole people who act on what we believe, tell the truth, and do what we say we will do.
  • Community—supporting one another in our faith journeys and in times of joy and sorrow sharing with and caring for each other.
  • Equality—treating everyone, everywhere, as equally precious to God; recognizing that everyone has gifts to share.
  • Stewardship—valuing and respecting all of God’s creation; using only our fair share of the earth’s resources; working for policies that protect the planet.

To learn more about the Quaker Testimonies click here: Society of Friends Testimonies Booklet