[QUOTE-START]
Coming into membership is a two-sided process involving the individual on their spiritual journey and a whole community of faith. The individual may be represented or supported by a parent, guardian or advocate. It is a process of discernment...
- Qf&p 11.05
[QUOTE-END]
Quakers become members of the area meeting that the local meeting that they attend is part of. Members and attenders are encouraged to play a part in Quaker activities – contributing time, energy, skills and money. They may also be asked to actively participate by taking on a particular role or joining a local or national committee.
Details of how one might become a member of the Religious Society of Friends can be found in chapter 11 (Qf&p). The process might vary between area meetings but area meeting clerks' will be able to advise how to apply.
Find on this page specific resources that relate to membership that are not available within Quaker faith & practice or from other sources.
Certificates for transfer of membership and acceptance
- Certificate of Transfer of Membership form (Word, 39.5KB)
- Certificate of Acceptance form (Word, 40KB)
Please inform the Database Team in Quaker Communications and Services of any membership transfers or changes by emailing: updates@quaker.org.uk
Changes to membership procedures
In May 2006 Britain Yearly Meeting accepted the report of the Quaker Life Membership Procedures Group. Its minute (23) explains the process for membership acquisition which is now based on significant criteria, rather than the process of application. This gives monthly meetings flexibility in determining their own process within these criteria.
Find out more
The following four documents will be of interest to those wishing to know more about this:
- The Report to Yearly Meeting 2006 (PDF, 64KB)
- The Yearly Meeting minute 23 (PDF, 28KB)
- The 2004 Consultation document to monthly meetings (PDF, 48KB)
- The 2004 document on shared ideas of experimental procedures from meetings (PDF,120KB)
Adapting area meeting procedures
Quaker Life receives some information from area meetings on how they are adapting their procedures in the light of the report and Yearly Meeting decision.
Copies of these can be obtained from:
Helen Griffith
Recording Clerk's Office
Friends House
173-177 Euston Road
London NW1 2BJ
Tel: 020 7663 1161
Email:
heleng@quaker.org.uk
However, area meetings do not automatically send their adopted or changed procedures to Friends House, so contacting other area meetings direct (perhaps the ones named in the sharing experience document) might produce best results.