What do Quakers believe?
‘Some Quakers believe in God, some don’t. Quakers welcome all faiths and none; they don’t get hung up on beliefs.’ (Discovering Quakers)
The Religious Society of Friends grew out of Christianity and is nearly 400 years old. In our worship and daily lives we try to be open to encountering something beyond ourselves. George Fox’s discovery was the experience of a direct relationship with God, with no need for any intermediary. Personal experience is at the core. Quakers believe that people understand ‘God’ or ‘Light’ or ‘Spirit’ in different ways, and can also find meaning and value in other faiths and traditions. Whatever words we use, we recognise that we are each unique and special, and there is ‘that of God in everyone’
Here seven Quakers share what God means to them
What are Quaker values?
‘Quakers use a blend of spirituality and action to find meaning and purpose in their lives.’ (Discovering Quakers)
Quakers share a way of life rather than a fixed set of beliefs. How we act reflects our values, which we call testimonies. Testimonies today may be expressed differently from 400 years ago but the core remains. Our focus today is on the values of peace, simplicity, equality, truth, and integrity, and how they interact with each other. Also important are the testimonies to sustainability and community. This way of life is not always easy, but as Quakers we encourage each other to keep trying.