Who are Quakers?
In the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), people from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs embark together on a spiritual journey. Although their individual beliefs may vary, Quakers share an understanding of a Divine presence in all people. Early Quakers rejected elaborate religious ceremonies, didn’t have official clergy and believed in spiritual equality for men and women.
What Happens During Meeting for Worship?
Do you feel that modern life is too materialistic, and that people overlook the things that could give real meaning to their lives?
If you are looking for a sense of wonder in life, a purpose for living, or simply seeking peace and quiet – then come be part of our Meeting.
We won’t ask you to speak or sing, or say what you do or do not believe. We offer friendship and community in a quiet way, and a chance to share the inner peace of prolonged silence.
Quakers have no creed, no sacraments, and no presiding ministers. We minister to each other in love by sharing our silence, our deepest leadings, our prayers, our sorrows, and our hopes.
Our worship is based on silence. For us, silence is not merely a time to relax or gather one’s thoughts. Quaker worship is an alert openness to the still leading of the Inner Light. One consequence of this “waiting upon the Light” is that one or more worshipers may be moved to speak out of the silence. Such speaking is not an intellectual exercise; it is a movement from the depths of one’s being, a conscientious response to a carefully discerned leading of the Spirit.
It takes time for a meeting to “settle.” Generally, no one speaks for the first twenty or more minutes. During that time, we are admonished to “Turn in thy mind to the Light, and wait upon God.”
Some meetings are completely silent. Many Friends relish the peace, depth, and unity of such meetings. Completely silent worship can be a most refreshing and strengthening experience.
When we are led to speak during worship, we observe spaces of silence between messages in order to allow each message to ripen in our hearts. We usually avoid responding to a previous speaker, although sometimes messages do share a common theme. It is most unusual for anyone to speak twice in one meeting.
Meeting draws to a close in silence after about an hour. We close our worship by shaking hands and greeting each other. Coffee and tea and some snacks may be available after meeting; visitors are encouraged to participate for fellowship.
About Quakerism:
Why the name "Quaker"?
“Quaker” emerged as a derisive nickname for early Friends for their belief in the biblical passage that people should "tremble at the Word of the Lord." Quakers eventually embraced the term, although their official name is the Religious Society of Friends; members are referred to as Friends or Quakers. Many Friends still find themselves internally trembling as they rise to share a Spirit-led message.
Why is there no priest or minister?
Quakers believe that every member of the Meeting is a member of the priesthood. Quakers have not abolished the ministers, rather Quakers have abolished the laity. With Divine guidance, we minister to each other.
What is a basic belief of The Religious Society of the Friends of Truth, better known as Quakers?
Friends believe that there is that of God in everyone. They may refer to this Divine Presence as the Inner Light, the Seed, the Still Small Voice Within, the Inward Teacher or the Christ Within. Anyone may have a direct relationship with the Divine, without any intermediary such as a priest or minister.
What happens during the silence?
Friends wait, listening for spiritual wisdom offered by the Still Small Voice. If they feel so led, they may rise and share the message to be heard in the silence. Anyone can offer a Divinely inspired message during Worship, though discerning what is a message meant for the Meeting, vs. meant for one's self, is an important understanding.
What are the Quaker Testimonies?
The Testimonies are patterns for living a life rooted in the teachings of the Inner Light. Examples of Testimonies are Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. They are not just ethical guides. The testimonies are Spiritual paths Friends are led to live, to testify to, in their daily lives.
But I thought Quakers were extinct?
The Shakers broke off from Quakers in 1747 and are indeed essentially a defunct religion now, its followers dying off. Quakerism remains a vibrant religion in the Protestant tradition. There are an estimated 100,000 North American Quakers and 300,000 world wide.
What are "unprogrammed" Quaker meetings?
These meetings, like Schuylkill Monthly Meeting, have no order of service nor a minister leading the service, following the practice of the early Friends in England. Other branches of Quakerism exist. Evengelical Quaker meetings most closely resemble other Protestant religions with an appointed minister and order of service, while many Quaker meetings use a "semi-programmed" format, with a period of silent waiting worship coupled with a sermon and often singing or readings.
Resources introducing Quakers:
Yearly Meetings use a manual of practice named Faith and Practice; “with advice on procedures within the faith, membership, current practice for conducting meeting business and numerous quotations from Friends on belief, worship, concerns, leadings, and testimonies.” It is a highly useful reference for practical, historical and spiritual advice. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s is available digitally on this website, and also in soft-cover book format. It is recommended reading for people seeking to understand Quakers and Friends’ practices, as well as providing important guidance for Monthly Meetings.
The Quaker Information Center - A Gateway To Quakerism
Introduction to Quaker Beliefs - These Frequently Asked Questions are based on content originally published online by Friends General Conference.
Discovering Quakers - Discovering Quakers is a place for people curious about Quakers to find out more through articles, blog posts, videos and podcasts.
Below are a few videos introducing Quakerism:
What To Expect in Quaker Meeting for Worship
Many Quaker Meeting for Worship are a gathering where people sit in silence, allowing for personal reflection and a potential to receive a message or "ministry" from the Spirit, which anyone can share if they feel moved to do so; there are no set prayers, hymns, or ministers, and the meeting is centered around listening deeply to the stillness and connecting with others in that space; essentially, anyone can participate and share their thoughts or insights if they feel guided to do so.
My First Time at Quaker Meeting
"A person I love invited me to Meeting for Worship. My first Meeting was 2 mo. 2014 & I had no idea what to expect. Following Rise of Meeting, I was greeted by three Friends. We all continue to participate in our Beloved Community."
What Do Quakers Do in Silent Worship?
In Quaker silent worship, individuals gather together in a quiet space to "wait in expectant silence," listening inwardly for guidance from the Spirit, where anyone may feel moved to speak a message if they believe they are being led by the Spirit to share something with the community; essentially, they are actively seeking to connect with a deeper spiritual presence through stillness and reflection, with the potential for spontaneous spoken messages from those who feel inspired to share.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quaker Meeting for Worship
Questions & answers (above) from a few Members.
What Do Quakers Believe?
Quakers believe in a number of things, including:
Equality
Direct experience of God
Conscience
Simplicity
Social justice
Openness to truth
Are Quakers Christian?
Christian roots: Quakers have Christian roots and many consider themselves Christian. They draw spiritual nourishment from their Christian roots and strive to follow Jesus' example.
Varying beliefs: Quakers have a variety of beliefs, including evangelical, holiness, liberal, traditional, and Non-theist.
No creed: Quakers have no creed and avoid hierarchical structures.
Do Quakers Believe in Heaven?
Quakers have a variety of views on the afterlife, including whether they believe in heaven:
Heaven on earth
God in the soul
Individual interpretation
Different beliefs:
Quakers have different beliefs about the afterlife, including some who believe in a realm of pure love, some who believe in entering the presence of Jesus, and some who believe that death is the end of existence.
The Difference Between Quaker Meeting and Other Christian Services
Some Quaker meetings differ significantly from most other Christian services by relying heavily on silent worship with no designated leader or set liturgy, meaning there are no sermons, hymns, or formal prayers, while most Christian services include a structured format with a pastor delivering a sermon and often incorporating hymns and prayers; Quakers believe that everyone has an "inner light" allowing them to connect directly with God through silence, whereas other Christian denominations might place more emphasis on a hierarchical structure and interpretations of scripture by a religious leader.
Are Quaker Amish?
No, Quakers and Amish are not the same. They are distinct religious groups with different origins, beliefs, and practices.
• Both groups value pacifism, simple living, and community.
• Both have roots in Christianity and sought religious freedom in America.
While Quakers and Amish share some values, they are distinct groups with different histories, beliefs, and ways of life.
Becoming a Member
To become a member of a Quaker Meeting, typically you would first regularly attend meetings as an "attender" to familiarize yourself with the Quaker community and practices, then formally express your desire to join by writing a letter to the meeting's clerk, which will usually lead to a discussion with a membership (or clearness) committee before being welcomed as a member; essentially, you need to actively participate in the meeting and demonstrate a commitment to Quaker values before formally applying for membership.