“Simple. Radical. Spiritual.” – Quakers take faith back to basics
This Quaker Week, Quaker communities up and down the country are showcasing how their simple spirituality helps them work for radical change.
Quakerism is a radical church, born in radical times, and Quakers continue to live their faith in the world.
Events including climate vigils, talks on Quaker peace work and exhibitions of textile art panels are available to view on an interactive map, with Quakers urged to add their own events via this form.
In the 17th century, early Quakers preached that each individual could experience inner light, or the voice of God, a simple church which didn't need a priest, or sacraments.
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“The times are severe, the need is great.
- Thomas Kelly
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This shapes modern Quaker beliefs: that all humans are equal and deserving of equal treatment and respect; that faith should be lived and acted out every day.
Drawing on these beliefs, Quakers continue to work for prison reform and against arms manufacturing. They mediate in conflicts and were the first religious organisation in Britain to recognise same-sex marriage.
Silent meetings for worship are held outside banks and insurers to persuade them to stop funding fossil fuels.
And earlier this month hundreds of Quakers held a silent vigil outside the giant arms fair at the ExCeL Centre in east London.
Just as American Quaker Thomas Kelly wrote at the beginning of the Second World War: “The times are severe, the need is great."
With radical change needed, many Quakers find in their faith a spiritual home which sustains them in working for that change.
Quaker Week in England and Scotland begins on 23 September and ends on World Quaker Day, 1 October.
With a theme linked to Quakerism's radical spirituality, this World Quaker Day Quakers around the world will share reflections around: “Living the spirit of ubuntu: responding with hope to God's call to cherish creation and one-another."