About Quakers

Quaker history in a nutshell

Many in society during the later 17th century were disillusioned with the power and complacency of the established church. It seemed out of touch and too hierarchical. George Fox, one of the founders of Quakers had a vision of a simpler more direct faith, one that had no need of priests to interpret.

A few key facts about Quakers

• Quakerism is rooted in Christianity but today, Quakers are a broad based group who believe that there is something of God (or the divine) in everyone. We seek to 'meet' this in all people and see all humans as equal and deserving of equal treatment and respect.
• Everyone can access the inner light (God, Spirit, Other..) directly without need of priests, bible or other holy books. We just our own experiences if they are driven by this inner light to be valid. It perhaps explains why we dont share a set of strict beliefs governing our church.    
• The Quaker experience is that it effects our whole lives. It leads us, individually and together, to work towards a more just and peaceful world, and a more sustainable lifestyle. 
• Quakers see no need for churches, rituals, holy days, or sacraments, to experience the inner light. Rather faith should be something one lives and acts out every day. 
• Quakers tend not to be strongly connected to a calendar of feast days. Early Friends didn't celebrate Christmas; most contemporary Quakers see it as part of the year cycle and some may individually feel attached to the Christian message it offers. 
•  Meeting for Worship is a central part of our practice. Our meetings are based on silent waiting and listening, and the silence can be very moving. Out of this silence someone may feel inspired to speak or read a short passage. These words are brief and may be helpful to others present.
• At Darlington Quaker Meeting you will find a diverse and welcoming community.  Our official name is the Religious Society of Friends but we are today more commonly known as Quakers or Friends.