What are Friends/Quakers?

The Religious Society of Friends grew out of the ministry of George Fox in England and America in the second half of the seventeenth century. A religion of inward experience rather than outward observance, it is rooted in Christianity. A basic tenet of the Society holds that everyone is possessed of an inward principle, or faculty, variously called the "Inner Light," the "inward teacher," the "seed," or "that of God within," which if followed and exercised will constantly open one's mind to truth and one's heart to love. From the very beginning, this tenet has called Friends to value each person for him or herself. Today Friends take joy in our diversity.

Since the beginning of Quakerism, our social testimony has been an integral expression of our faith. Faith is translated into action as Friends take constructive steps to foster peace, social justice, education, simplicity, and right sharing of resources.

In the course of its development the Society of Friends has undergone many changes and has branched into a number of forms. Major branches in the United States are pastoral groups, usually called Friends Churches and affiliated with the Friends United Meeting or the Evangelical Friends, and the nonpastoral or unprogrammed branch, affiliated with Friends General Conference or Conservative Yearly Meetings.

In Friends General Conference, of which our Meeting is a part, local congregations of Friends are organized as "Monthly Meetings." Groups of Monthly Meetings constitute "Quarterly" and "Yearly" Meetings. The names refer to the traditional frequency with which Meetings for Business are held.

We as Friends believe that the chief end for each human being is to grow continuously in the knowledge and love of God, in integrity of life, and in pure love toward all God's creatures. We believe that participation in a religious society, in worship and fellowship, is an essential means of promoting this divine growth. We practice a simple waiting worship, without outward sacraments, liturgy, program, priest, or professional minister. Out of the silence may come spoken ministry, which is a sharing of the Inner Light.