, and peace, and tenderness; and bearing one with another, and forgiving one another, and not laying accusations one against another; but praying one for another, and helping one another up with a tender hand…”
Isaac Penington, 1667
The Divine is directly accessible to everyone without the need for an intermediary (priest) or ritual. Each of us connects with the Spirit in a manner that is personal, direct, and certain – a continuing revelation of the will of God.
Divine revelation did not end with the creation of the Bible, but has continued throughout history and remains available to the person or worshipping group that is open to receive it.
Quakers seek spiritual connection and inspiration in the collective experience of Meeting for Worship. Worshipping together helps us to test and focus our experience on the will of God. Quakers aim to live in the Spirit which inspires us in our meetings and believe that if we are fully open to it we can effect change, both personal and social.
Friends continually work to remove the causes of conflict and war, striving to trust in love rather than react in fear. Divine creation should be respected and preserved. Concern for the environment and stewardship of the earth guide our choices in our lives.
Quaker values are expressed as a way of living that seeks simplicity, integrity, and both inward and outward peace. Further, our belief that there is that of God in all of us has led us to write this minute: