Yearly Meeting is also when we can learn, practise, improve, and take back to our local meetings ways of conducting business that are rooted in Quaker discipline and our own experience, yet also meet contemporary challenges. The purposes and functions of Yearly Meeting are described in Quaker faith & practice 6.02–6.11 (offsite link), which also gives the background to the business agenda.
Yearly Meeting events happen up to four times per year and any Quaker from across Britain is able to attend. During these events there will be opportunities to participate in spirit-led Quaker decision-making, to worship, to get to know Quakers from across Britain, and to learn about the existing work that Quakers do centrally, locally, and through interest groups called Quaker Recognised Bodies.
We work hard to make sure that our Yearly Meeting events are spirit-led and welcoming to Quakers at all ages and stages of life. During a Yearly Meeting session you might hear about Quaker work for peace or for climate justice, you might hear how Quakers in another part of the country are living out Quaker testimony, and you might spend time in a multi-generational worship session.
Yearly Meeting is a blended event: this allows people to attend the same meeting either online or at Friends House.