Quakers make decisions in a way that tries to find the wish of God through including everyone at a Meeting for Worship for Business.

Quaker communities make decisions together and everyone present can take part. The spiritual process, known by Quakers as discernment, allows views to be expressed and held in careful consideration (before God) to find a way forward.

The process is upheld by everyone and there are some key responsibilities that help it work well. A clerk, who may appear like a chairperson crossed with a secretary, will present the business and help the process move smoothly. There may be people named as elders who help the clerk to keep the spiritual order of the meeting.

Support for Quaker decision-making

    [QUOTE-START]

    Our method of conducting our meetings for church affairs is an experience which has been tested over three hundred years. In days of hot contest and bitter controversy the early Friends, knit together by the glorious experience of the Holy Spirit's guidance in all their affairs, came into the simple understanding of how their corporate decisions should be made.

    - Qf&p 3.40 (part)

    [QUOTE-END]

    Networks

    There are local and national networks in support of Quaker decision-making. Networks may focus on the name of the role, usually clerks, that are being supported. Contact your area meeting's local development worker to ask about networks they offer.

    Area meeting clerks' e-group and discussion network

    There is an e-group forum and an online discussion network for area meeting clerks to share ideas and experience. BYM staff support a planning group to shape the discussions.

    Area meeting clerks should be automatically subscribed to both. If you need your subscription updated please contact us by email supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk.

    Events and activities

    Learning about the Quaker way of making decisions is provided by Woodbrooke. They offer courses on the process itself, on the spiritual aspects of discernment and specific courses to learn about clerking.

    Look on the Quaker service and roles section of the Woodbrooke website to find out more.

    Learning with your Quaker community

    Woodbrooke has learning options that allow communities to learn together. Find out about their learning for Quaker communities programmes.

    Assistance

    General advice

    Quaker Life can offer advice and support for Quaker decision-making. Contact us by email, supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk.

    Meeting records

    Advice and support for keeping your meeting records and archives can be found in the library section of the website.

    Notifying Quakers in Britain about local role-holder changes

    Please send us details of changes to the roles of:

    • Clerk
    • Assistant clerk
    • Registering officer
    • Quaker prison chaplain

    They need to be sent with full contact details and dates of service to so that we can keep our records up to date.

    Role-holder changes and details of membership changes, transfers of membership between area meetings and deaths all need to be sent to updates@quaker.org.uk.

    Resources

    Clerks Update email

    Clerks Update is a quarterly email newsletter for clerks and conveners of local, area and regional Quaker communities. Read recent issues and subscribe to Clerks Update.

    Governance Gold

    Governance Gold is a series of documents that give brief details of changes to Quaker practice or other governance matters of relevance to clerks of local and area communities.

    A guide to Quaker clerking

    Find an online guide and resources to support clerks and running Quaker business meetings. These resources have been created for those who are new to serving as a clerk. It has lots of advice and guidance that is suitable for people with a range of experience.

    Contact us

    supportmeetings@quaker.org.uk