QUAKERS

QUAKER BELIEFS.

Quakers have developed from strong Christian roots. However, personal experience and action have always been more important than dogma. Membership is by commitment, and all are invited to participate in the life of the meeting according to their talents. Ritual and sacraments do not play a part in our worship; we do not have a creed and are open to a wide variety of beliefs. We often use different words and images - such as light, spirit, love - to help us in our interpretation, acceptance and understanding of God. We believe also that we are enriched by other religions beyond our Christian heritage.

Some central beliefs hold us together as a religious community: there is that of God in everyone; each person can have a direct, personal relationship with God which is nurtured by worship based on silent waiting; there is no need for a priest or minister as a mediator. These beliefs lead us to strive for:

the equality of all human beings,

simplicity in our worship and in our way of life,

peace,

social justice,

the right to freedom of conscience,

a sense of shared responsibility for the life of our communities and the integrity of creation.

We sometimes refer to these as Quaker testimonies.

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QUAKER WORSHIP.

A Quaker Meeting is silent worship in the presence of the Spirit of God. There is no pre-arranged service or appointed minister.

The Meeting for Worship is a shared experience, in which worshippers listen for the promptings of love and truth in their hearts. It may be entirely without words, but usually there are spoken contributions. Anyone may feel the call to speak: man, woman, or child, experienced Quaker or first time visitor.

These contributions are spontaneous, and may be a reflection on personal experience and insight, perhaps including a reading from Quaker writings, the Bible or other literature.

The Meeting closes with the shaking of hands.

Everyone is welcome to join us at our Meetings for Worship.