What Do Friends Believe?

Friends hold many beliefs in common with other Christian denominations. We emphasize the redeeming grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We believe in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, and we acknowledge the continuing guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our statements of faith are based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and upon the realities of those truths applied in the lives of believers.

Some general statements follow, which give the reader an introduction to the Quaker faith.

· We believe that true religion involves an immediate, inward, personal encounter with God – that this, rather than ritual and ceremony, is what we must experience to obtain salvation.

· We believe that each individual has worth, dignity, freedom, and responsibility before God (John 1:9).

· We believe that worship is a personal, positive act of seeking, rather than a performance – that communion is an inner spiritual experience rather than an outward observance.

· We believe that moral purity, integrity, honesty, simplicity, and humility are essential to the Christian life.

· We believe in Christian love and goodwill as a way of life which makes hatred and violence impossible.

· We believe that Christ-like love and concern for the suffering and unfortunate people must find expression in humanitarian service and social justice.

· We believe in the continued revelation of the Holy Spirit of God, who grants us new openings, insights, and revelations of spiritual truth.

Friends are especially concerned for the spiritual care and nurture of children. At birth, they are enrolled as associate members. This status is held until they become old enough to request active membership in the meeting on the basis of their own experience and decision.

For more comprehensive statements of the Quaker faith, refer to the Faith and Practice: Book of Discipline.

For more information about Friends Church of North Carolina refer to their website.