About Quakers

We, who have been called Seekers of the Truth, Quakers and Friends, are members of the Religious Society of Friends. Yes, we are a sect, but we do not separate ourselves from the work about us.

We believe God is present in every person and that peace is preferable to war. We gather in silent communal worship to wait on the Spirit of God. Sometimes It moves us in other ways.

We have no formal creed, no ritual, dogma nor liturgy. Instead, to help us follow Divine guidance we pose, both individually and corporately, searching queries; we strive to trust to love, rather than react to fear; we work towards peace because we believe it is the only way; we are led to implement our concerns for the equal rights of all. Many of us have been drawn to this religion – Quakerism – because of its dual commitment to spiritual awareness and social action.

These beliefs are not always easy to hold nor to honor with action, but our search has led us to commit ourselves to them.
– Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

The Religious Society of Friends was formed in England in the mid 1600's in an era of religious reformation that swept across Europe. Founder George Fox (1624-1691) believed that:

• there is that of God in everyone,
• we all can experience direct communication with the Divine without the assistance of priests, pastors or churches, and
• it is our duty in life to foster that Spark in ourselves and other people.

Fox and his followers, (who became known as Quakers for the way their bodies shook during worship) lived lives of peace, simplicity, honesty and equality. Early Quakers were persecuted and imprisoned for their beliefs, and many sought greater religious freedom by settling in America. Quakers are perhaps best known for their testimonies on peace and social justice.

For more information on Quakerism, we recommend the following web sites: www.quaker.org, www.quakerinfo.org, or www.religioustolerance.org.