What are Quakers?

We no longer (as some people think) wear strange hats and plain clothes. We are a group of ordinary people whose official name is the Religious Society of Friends. We feel we belong together as a family that shares beliefs based on a Christian heritage.

What do we believe?

We believe each person is uniquely valuable and there is something of God in everyone. This is a divine spark to be nurtured and protected. We believe that each of us can have a direct experience of the spirit of God and this is a personal experience. We are more concerned with the truth behind the words than the formal statements of belief. For this reason Quakers ever since the 17th century have rejected creeds and outward sacraments, as well as a hierarchical church based on an ordained priesthood.

What happens in Meeting for Worship?

We do not have a set form of service but meet together for worship. The Meeting for Worship begins as soon as anyone sits down in silence. The worship is based on silent waiting, in which we seek to come nearer to one another and to God as we share in the stillness of the meeting. Occasionally a meeting will pass in total silence. The silence may be broken by anyone who feels compelled to speak, pray or read. Such a contribution, if prompted by the spirit, enrich the gathered worship of the meeting.

No two Quaker Meetings are the same and a meeting can embrace a wide range of experience.

Everyone is welcome, Christians, those from other faiths and from none. In Sheffield the Children join us about 10 minutes before the end; elsewhere the children may join the Meeting for the first ten minutes.

The Meeting for Worship lasts about an hour, then an elder closes the meeting by shaking hands with their neighbour. The clerk will then welcome visitors and newcomers, and invite them to join us for tea and coffee and read out any notices for the week.

How many Quakers are there?

The Religious Society of Friends is small. There are 340,000 members worldwide. In Great Britain there are about 18,000 members in 450 Meetings. There are also some 7,000 who regularly worship with them. In this area there are 220 members. Membership is open to those who share our outlook and find themselves at home in Meeting for Worship.

What else do Quakers do?

Quakers have always been involved in social and political movements in support of the oppressed and disadvantaged. Historically they have been active in such issues as the abolition of slavery and the provision of humane prison conditions. During this century their concerns have extended to areas such as housing reform, fair trade and the defence of the environment.

Quakers have always believed that violence is incompatible With Christian beliefs and have long been active in work for justice and peace. Quakers have played an active role in campaigns against the arms trade and nuclear weapons. Their support for reconciliation has seen Quaker involvement in most of the world’s trouble spots. When you first come to a Meeting for Worship ask for the Leaflet "Your First Time in a Quaker Meeting?"

Come and meet us and find out more.