About Quakers
This is a general account. See the menu on the left for specific topics including further information on weddings, funerals, Peace, etc.
Who are the Quakers?
"Quaker" is a popular name for a member of the Religious Society of Friends, whose members are also known as "Friends".
As Quakers we believe that our religious insights, attitudes and practices together form a way of life. Quakers have no dogmas or creeds.
We have no one definition of "God". Each of us seeks to experience the religious life for herself or himself. We have the conviction that each of us can have direct experience of the Spirit of God and that something of God is expressed in everyone's life.
Quakers believe that there is something of God in every woman and man and that we are all of one family and should have equal access to the earth's resources.
Where did Quakers come from?
The Quaker religion began in the mid-17th century with George Fox and like-minded seekers. Fox had studied the bible in detail and had many questions about it. He tried all the preachers and priests he could find but none of them could help him answer these questions. He came to realise that people can have direct experience of God without an ordained minister as intermediary. Nowadays, there are worshipping groups all over the country meeting each week to share fellowship together.
Many people find that the major churches of today cannot help any more than they could three hundred years ago, because their doctrines and rituals are unacceptable. These people may well find a spiritual home amongst Quakers.
Quakerism has its roots in Christianity, but Quakers ignore so many of the conventional practices that some say they appear to be on the edge of Christianity. People from other religious backgrounds can certainly find themselves at home with Quakers too.
Quakers today
Quakers say that they are not concerned with labels but are prepared to "let their lives speak". They believe that their religious insights, attitudes and practices together form a way of life.
Quakers in Britain (officially the Religious Society of Friends) have no written creed, no priests or pastors and no conventional sacraments. Quakers believe that everyone can experience spiritual promptings, especially when a group is gathered together in quietness. From these experiences, the group discerns what is the best way forward when difficulties are met.
Quakers are seen as travelling rather than arriving. Those on the journey of discovery come together to learn more of others who have gone before and to share with those still seeking their way.
What happens in Meeting for Worship?
A Quaker Meeting is based on silence, an expectant silence of waiting, in which we seek to come nearer to each other and to God. Occasionally a Meeting will pass in total silence. The silence may be broken if someone feels compelled by the Spirit to speak, pray or read. The Meeting ends after about an hour with the shaking of hands.
If you are thinking of attending a Quaker Meeting for the first time, you may find it helpful to read Your First Time at a Quaker Meeting.