Quaker Beliefs

 

Quakers are a spiritual community. We try to live with honesty, care for others, and respect for the world.

We do not have a list of beliefs that everyone must agree with. What matters to us is how we listen, how we make decisions, and how we live our lives. 

 


Listening for Guidance

Quakers believe that each person can find guidance within themselves.

Some people call this the inner voice of God or Spirit, or the Inner Light.  Others understand it in a non-religious way. Different views are welcome.

"My faith is centred on a spiritual Presence, personal and infinite, awe-inspiring and intimate. A compassionate guide. Somehow always present and accessible." Moira
 

"I don’t consider myself a very religious person in the traditional sense. Certainly I’m very hesitant about talking about a relationship with - or faith in - God. My faith is open to possibility." Elinor.


Learning Never Stops

We believe that no one has all the answers.

We keep learning through experience, reflection, and listening to one another. Our understanding can change as we grow. 
 

"My own spiritual journey has taken me from literalist Catholicism to liberal Catholicism, to a confused agnosticism, to Quakers. I have always felt the reality of God in my life -- in the beauty of nature, in the kindness of people, and through the prodding of conscience in my own heart."  Lucas
 

"Within Quakers, I have deepened my confidence that God exists, and I have equally deepened my confidence that I know very little about God." Lucas

 

Quiet Worship

Most Quaker worship is held in silence.

We sit together quietly and listen. Anyone may speak if they feel strongly moved to do so. There is no leader, sermon, or set programme.

 

"Listening, deep attentive listening, isn't a skill that most of us use often in everyday life. I value the chance to practice it in the stillness of Quaker meeting." Maia
 

Everyone Matters

Quakers believe that every person has equal worth.

This leads us to care about fairness, inclusion, and peaceful ways of dealing with conflict.


"Quakerism attracts people from every walk of life and spiritual tradition. As I get to know them better, it occurs to me that I have never before been in a space where everybody is so unconventional, each with their own story and philosophy. I feel totally at home."  Vincent

 

Putting Beliefs into Action

Quakers focus more on how we live than on what we believe.

We try to live by shared values such as:

  • peace

  • integrity

  • equality

  • simplicity

  • community

  • care for the earth

These guide our choices and actions.

 

"Let others know what is valuable to you. Let your life speak."  Advices & Queries                                Advices & Queries is a Quaker booklet by which we challenge and encourage each other to live according to our values.


"Aim to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. Value beauty in all its forms. Share what you have."  Advices & Queries

 

Many Views, One Community

Quakers hold many different spiritual views. Some are Christian, some are not religious, and others are still searching.

We are joined by shared practice, not by shared beliefs.


"We are challenged to enter into fellowship with people of all faiths and philosophies, locally, regionally and globally so that we may work or worship together and cooperate for peace, justice and care of the planet. " Advices & Queries.

 

You Are Welcome

The best way to understand Quakerism is to experience it.

You are welcome to come to a Quaker meeting, ask questions, or simply sit with us in the quiet.

Find a Quaker Meeting
 

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Are Quakers Extinct?

Here are some fun facts about Quakers, from Thee Quaker in the US.     Find more FAQs.
 

Diversity of Belief
 

The Religious Society of Friends – the official name of Quakers – was formed in England in the 1650s during a civil war, a time of religious and political upheaval and intolerance.

It was deeply rooted in the Christianity of the time and remained so for 300 years.

More recently, people right across the religious spectrum have found meaning in Quaker understandings and now there are Quakers who are also Muslim, Buddhist, humanist, atheist, Jewish — as well as Christian Quakers. 

Hear the experience of one Muslim Quaker here: 

In New Zealand and the United Kingdom, most Quakers belong to this liberal tradition, where the style of worship is based in silence. There are no sermons, readings or hymns.

In the US, Latin America, and Africa, many Quakers are strongly evangelical in their faith, and their services are programmed.

You can read more about Quakers around the world on the Friends World Committee for Consultation website: Friends worldwide. 

You can learn more about Quaker faith and practice here:

Learn more about our Testimonies to peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, community & sustainability. 

Read about how Quakers put their beliefs into action

Listen as Quakers describe why they are a Quaker




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