Who are Quakers?
Quakerism began in the 17th century, in England, at a time of great political and religious turmoil. Its founder was George Fox.
The fundamental idea of Quakerism articulated then and central still is that there is something of God in everyone. It may be hard to see, but it is there. We have no standard definition of what we mean by ‘something of God’ – we use metaphors like the light guiding us, or a sense of what is good and right. This idea is not unique to us – many faiths would say similar things – but for us it is the central idea.
Quakers are also known as the Religious Society of Friends, or simply ‘Friends’ and this website uses both terms. There are about 300,000 Quakers (Friends) worldwide. The largest groupings are in Britain, North America, Kenya and Bolivia, but they can be found on every continent.
Two main traditions of worship have evolved. In the non-programmed tradition Quakers worship together in companiable silence, but anyone may speak and share some insight they have – something that they have read, something that they have experienced, some understanding they have acquired. This often leads to others speaking in terms that relate to what they have heard. In programmed forms of worship much of the meetings/services are pre-planned, often with pastors to organise them.
Whatever form worship takes, Quakers have two sets of guiding ideas.
One is our testimonies – things which we seek to stand for. For example our peace testimony is that peaceful resolutions to conflict should always be sought. One memorable and contemporary formulation of Quaker testimonies is SPICES – Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship.
The other is our advices and queries - guidance on what Quakers consider to be the practical consequences of putting the concept of that of God in everyone, into practice in the whole of their lives. For example, one advice is: Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak.
Over the centuries the testimonies and advices have led many Quakers to be active in the big issues of their times– slavery, prison reform, peaceful resolutions to conflict, and many others. Some of them are well-known historical figures such as William Penn and Elizabeth Fry, but countless others have played their parts. Quakers are enjoined to be active in the world in which they live, and this website aims to tell this story.
