What We Believe
Quaker faith is a search for truth, not an arrival.
We don't offer neat creeds or doctrine. Instead, we try to help each other work out how we should live. All people are welcome and accepted at a Quaker meeting.
Quakerism is almost 400 years old. It's the common name for the Religious Society of Friends. It grew out of Christianity and today we also find meaning and value in other faiths and traditions. We recognise that there's something transcendent and precious in every person. Different Quakers use different words to describe this, but we all believe we can be in contact with it and encounter something beyond our individual selves.
Quakers don't use traditional religious structures or paid ministers. We share responsibility for what we do because everyone has a valuable contribution to make.
Finding out more
Quaker Faith & Practice is a collection of writing from our 375-year history. People may read from it quietly, or sometimes aloud as ministry. We also use a small booklet called Advices & Queries, which is a collection of prompts, insights and questions. But the best way to find out more is to come to one of our Meetings for Worship.
Who can come to a meeting?
Meetings for worship are open to everyone. They can be held anywhere, at any time, although they usually take place on Sundays in a Quaker meeting house. You do not have to be a Quaker to attend worship. Children are a valued part of the Quaker community and often you'll find a session specifically for them – though your children will join the adults for some of the worship, when all ages sit together. Children may bring books and quiet activities for this.