At the heart of Quaker belief is the concept of the "Inner Light" — the understanding that there is "that of God in everyone." This fundamental principle recognizes that every person has a direct connection to the Divine and can experience God personally, without the need for clergy, rituals, or intermediaries.
This belief shapes our approach to worship, community, and daily life. We treat every person with respect and dignity, recognizing the sacred presence within each individual. It also leads us to value continuing revelation — the understanding that divine guidance is ongoing and not confined to past scriptures alone.
"Be still and cool in thy own mind and spirit from thy own thoughts, and then thou wilt feel the principle of God to turn thy mind to the Lord God."— George Fox, Founder of Quakerism
Quakers are unified by shared "testimonies" — spiritual insights that guide our way of life. Often remembered by the acronym SPICES, these principles shape how we interact with the world.
Living simply, focusing on what truly matters, and reducing distractions from spiritual life.
Commitment to nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflicts at all levels of society.
Living truthfully and authentically, letting our actions align with our spoken words.
Nurturing supportive relationships and caring for one another within and beyond our Meeting.
Recognizing the inherent worth of every person, regardless of race, gender, or background.
Caring responsibly for the Earth and its resources for future generations.
The primary form of worship for Quakers is "unprogrammed" silent worship. During these meetings, Friends gather in expectant silence, waiting to come into the presence of the Divine and listen for the "still, small voice" of the Spirit.
There are no pre-planned sermons, hymns, or liturgy. The silence is not empty but is considered a disciplined and contemplative openness to spiritual guidance. If someone feels moved by the Spirit to share a message, prayer, or song, they may stand and speak briefly. This is known as "vocal ministry" and arises from spiritual leading rather than intellectual preparation.
After a message is shared, the silence resumes. It is not uncommon for an entire worship session to remain completely silent, and this too is considered a powerful spiritual experience.
While Quakerism originated from Christian roots, there is significant diversity in beliefs among Friends today. Many identify as Christian, while others find spiritual meaning in various traditions or describe themselves as non-theist. This diversity in understanding God and religious experience is accepted and welcomed within our community.
Quakers typically do not adhere to fixed creeds or utilize religious symbols. Instead, we focus on the shared experience of worship and the practical application of our testimonies in daily life. What unites us is not a set of doctrines but our common practice of silent worship and our commitment to living according to the Light we receive.
Everyone is welcome to explore their own spiritual path within the supportive environment of our Meeting.
The best way to understand Quaker beliefs is to experience them firsthand. Join us for a meeting and discover the peace of silent worship.
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