This page gives you an introduction to Quakerism and what to expect if you are attending a Quaker Meeting for the first time. If you would like to explore Quakerism in more depth, you may wish to follow the links below 'About Quakers' in the page footer.
Quakerism is a way of life rather than a specific creed or set of beliefs. However, Quakers do try to maintain the core belief that ‘there is something of God’ in all human beings. Our unity is based on shared understanding and a shared practice of silent worship: a gathered stillness through which the circle of Friends seek to experience God directly – internally, and in relationships with others. Some prefer to think of ‘God’ as ‘the Light,’ ‘the Spirit’ or ‘Love.’
Since the experience of God is personal and direct, Quakers in Britain do not feel a need for elaborate ritual or for priests to interpret the word of God on behalf of the congregation. Instead, we appoint a small group of Friends to look after the spiritual needs of individuals, as well as the Meeting as a whole.
The Quaker testimonies
Quakers try to live with honesty and integrity according to a shared set of interrelated values called testimonies. These are:
- Equality and justice. Rooted in the conviction that all people are of equal spiritual worth, this testimony covers matters such as social inclusion, ethical investment, racial justice and empathy among all faiths.
- Peace. For centuries, Quakers have felt called ‘to live in the life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars.’ We believe it is important to show that human affairs can be conducted differently and that conflicts can be resolved non-violently.
- Truth and integrity. Quakers consider truth and integrity to be fundamental guiding principles, both in our own lives and in public affairs (where these values can easily be lost to sight).
- Simplicity and sustainability. Simplicity involves challenging the way we live and what our true needs are. Sustainability calls us to a creative responsibility towards the earth and its resources.
What happens in a Meeting for Worship?
A Meeting for Worship involves simply sitting peaceably, sharing silence: ‘a gathered stillness’ so that all may feel the spiritual power of love drawing the group together. Free from formalities, people of widely differing views find an underlying unity without being called upon to accept what they cannot affirm.
Every Meeting for Worship is different, but at the heart of all silent Meetings in silence is a quiet, peaceful hour of reflection that deepens our awareness of the Spirit and brings a unity to the group. The silence may be broken if someone present feels called on to say something that will deepen and enrich the worship, in response to the prompting of the Spirit. The silence is broken for the moment, but the stillness is not interrupted.
The Meeting proper closes when Elders, followed by all those present, have shaken hands.
In some Meetings, our worship continues in a short period called Afterwords. This is an opportunity to share with Friends any thoughts and insights that have come to us during the silence, or other matters that we have on our minds, which may not have led to spoken ministry during the main Meeting for Worship.
Notices, from the Clerk and other Friends, are followed by tea and coffee.
The text on this page is taken from the website of Abingdon Local Quaker Meeting. It was written by Nicola Ferguson, a former member of the Meeting.