In 1652 George Fox was convinced that there was that of God in every man and so every man was equal in the eyes of God, and that many religions were losing sight of the simple principles and getting caught up in doctrine and dogma. So in an effort to regain simplicity and truth, he started a religious movement officially known as “The Religious Society of Friends”. Shortly afterwards the nickname “Quakers” was applied. Today the words “Friend” or “Quaker” are interchangeable.
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has existed in Ireland since the late 17th century. Although membership has never been large, there always seem to have been people who found its message helpful.
What is this Message?
Every human being has the potential to communicate with God and to experience divine love and guidance. Such communication is experienced in diverse ways but is only real if it influences the whole of one’s life.
Quakers believe that God exists in everyone, so that anyone can have an experience with God and we should love all. This leads us to believe in the equality of all people, whether neighbour or stranger. We are not puritanical but we aim for simplicity and integrity in all matters. We enjoy material blessings but try to resist material attitudes, believing that earthly possessions are ours temporally and are held in trust.
“Meeting for Worship” takes place regularly on Sunday morning at a set hour in a Meeting House, but can be held at any time and in any place. Meetings usually last an hour and begin when silence falls naturally and people find the stillness in themselves. Reaching it, they find an awareness of reality through a deep union with others. Fear of isolation is banished by the discovery of a rich, accepting presence with other “searchers” and with God
Meeting for Worship is the kernel of Friends’ religious experience. We gather in silence believing that God, however perceived, will lead us to “worship with Him in spirit and in truth” as Jesus taught. We do not feel the need for a formal programme with hymns, set prayers and a prepared sermon.
During the silence, a worshipper may feel guided to speak about some aspect of his or her experience or to express some thought that he or she feels it right to share. Someone may pray aloud; occasionally someone may offer worship or a message in song.
Why not join us in a Friends Meeting for Worship, you would be very welcome. While you will not be asked to take any obvious or special part in the Meeting, we believe that everyone present can share inwardly in offering love and worship to God.
Some people find the silence of a Meeting for Worship helpful in seeking guidance about personal problems or emotional or intellectual conflicts. Others become absorbed in an experience of worship that removes them from their daily concerns. None of us is immune to allowing our thoughts to stray, or to occasional boredom but if, in Quaker phrase, we truly “centre down”, we will experience the healing presence of God and a deep sense of peace.
Children are a vital and welcome part of any Quaker community and share in its worship. Sunday school is normally available.
Quakers and the Christian Tradition
Quakers believe that a written creedal statement can limit the interpretation of God. The existence of a creed can lead to an attitude of mind which labels as unbelief that questioning of accepted ideas without which development is impossible. We are guided by a number of "testimonies," to Peace, Equality, Simplicity, and Truth. Friends have found that, while words and arguments may divide us, the shared experience of seeking to put Christ’s message into practice can bring us closer together.
George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, was a questioning young man in 17th century England. He had an extremely detailed knowledge of the Bible and also believed that Christ could speak directly to him.
He believed that Christ was the universal “inner light” that could illuminate the soul of all people everywhere, even those who had never heard of Jesus “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” John 1:9
Many theological differences have caused unfortunate conflict at times in our history but Quakers manage to embrace a surprising diversity of outlook and remain united. Some see Jesus as a prophet, so supremely imbued with the Divine Spirit that his teaching and example continue to inspire us to follow the same spirit.
Others believe that Jesus was uniquely the Son of God, whose life and message led inevitably to crucifixion and that only such a love-inspired offering could bridge the gulf between God and man.
Our efforts to do good, to be good, can never satisfy even our own aspirations; but we hold that love triumphs over evil. Friends occasionally express beliefs that seem almost irreconcilable; but those same Friends find an extraordinary unity in worshipping and in working together, whether campaigning against damage to the environment, working against violence and war, raising money for a relief project or patiently seeking to reconcile a family conflict.
Endeavouring to enter into joyous adventure with Christ, Quakers seek to live lives in His presence and in the love of neighbours.
Since we have no paid ministers, all members serve according to their abilities. As a religious society we have the practicalities of weddings, funerals, record keeping and premises, as well as contacts with other faith groups and the worldwide network of Quaker communities.
In keeping with our sense of inner guidance, we conduct our business meetings in a prayerful manner.
In summary Quakers believe
The light of God is in everyone.
Life has meaning and purpose.
Love of God and of our neighbour gives meaning and purpose to life.
Spiritual experience must be expressed in ordinary thought, actions and feelings.
In the words of George Fox, our seventeenth century founder, “There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition.”