Simple, radical, spiritual...
Silent Worship
Silent worship underpins Quakerism and makes it profoundly different from other religious practices. It is true many Faiths recognise silence as part of their worship, but for Friends it is right at the heart of the matter.
It is the belief that to truly sense the Divine, we feel the need to go to beyond words. What ever you chose to call this universal force – God, Light, the Spirit, oneness – no words can ultimately sum up the experience. It is a feeling that uses the whole body, not just the brain or intellect.
It is not a feeling you can learn about from someone else or from the words of a book (though these may be a helpful way in). You need to experience it for yourself and learn to trust that personal experience. Quakers in their silent worship seek to listen for a divine prompting.
Everyone is welcome at Meeting, regardless of background or beliefs.
Centering
We aim to quieten both body and mind so we can access a deeper place within ourselves where we may find the Light.
Some of the tools we may use might sound familiar to those who meditate, but it is important to point out that a silent Quaker Meeting for Worship is not a meditation. It is is very much a communal activity where the Light within each individual can uphold, and be upheld by, others.
If you consider a candle, one candle on its own sheds a little light, but when we come together the light is far brighter. We seek to find the tranquil centre within and so the stillness of each person meets the stillness of others. That of God within each of us is encountering the Divine.
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 any of our meetings across TCAM, 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.