What Quakers Believe

The following testimonies describe the ways in which we as Friends strive to live our daily lives:

SIMPLICITY

We are mindful of right use of the world’s resources by living simply.

PEACE

We actively promote peace and work to develop alternatives to violence at all levels, from local to international.

INTEGRITY

We strive to speak the truth to all, including people in positions of power. Integrity is the guiding principle we set for ourselves and expect in public life.

COMMUNITY

While the Quaker faith is founded on the principle that every person can have a direct relationship with God, an equally central tenet lies in the power of the “gathered community.” When Friends gather in silence to worship, they are collectively seeking the will of God, rather than meditating individually. Shared worship signifies unity and trust.

EQUALITY

The equal worth of every living being means working to address injustice and build true community.

STEWARDSHIP

To live with simplicity and integrity, we need to do a good job taking care of the things we own and use. This means taking good care of the earth. Quakers believe it is important to leave the world a better place.