WE ARE
A FAITH COMMUNITY
of over 1400 people from 14 different Friends’ meetings
WITH A RICH HISTORY
of living and worshipping in the Bucks County area for over 300 years
LIVING OUR BELIEFS
of simplicity, integrity, equality, community, stewardship and peace
WORSHIPPING TOGETHER
in expectant silence to experience God directly without the need for clergy or rituals
What Makes Quakers Unique
Silent Worship
By joining together in silent worship, Quakers believe that each person can have direct communion with God. Worship begins by centering down to a deep stillness within, with an attitude of expectant waiting, from which messages may arise. It is from this deeply spiritual place that a person may be moved to speak, and while these messages are delivered by an individual, it is understood to be coming through that person from God.
No Ministers
Quakers do not have ordained clergy. One of the core beliefs is that there is no need for an intermediary in order to have a relationship with God; the gathered group depends upon the Spirit of God for direction and leadership. Each member of the faith community is a minister in the sense that anyone may feel inspired to provide vocal ministry in a meeting for worship, and each helps minister to the needs of others.
Decisions by Unity
The Quaker decision-making process is grounded in the belief that when people come together they can discern a truth that exceeds the reach of any one individual. Rather than voting, Quakers listen respectfully to the experiences, knowledge and concerns of everyone and remain open to new insights and ideas. When everyone present recognizes the same truth, unity or “sense of the meeting” is found, and the group as a whole takes responsibility for the decision.
Radically Inclusive
At the heart of Quakerism is the belief that there is that of God in each individual. This knowledge leads us to understand that all people – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or economic status – are valuable and worthy of our respect and love. Because each human life is filled with limitless possibility we cannot condone institutions or actions that destroy or diminish any soul.
Historically Pacifist
For many people, it seems obvious that human beings should have the right to refuse to kill; as Quakers, we challenge the military rationale that fighting makes us safer. In pursuit of a lasting, sustainable peace, we seek to eliminate the causes of violent conflict, such as poverty, exploitation, and intolerance. We wholeheartedly support those who resist cooperation with conscription and those who oppose war and register as conscientious objectors.
Do Not
Proselytize
While there are only about 400,000 Quakers worldwide, as a general practice we do not proselytize as a way to attract new members. As a result, some people think that Quakerism is no longer an active religion. On the contrary, individual Quakers can often be found quietly expressing their faith through their actions in the world, and large Quaker organizations are accomplishing great things with little fanfare. Quakers say that we prefer to let our lives speak for themselves.