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INTERFAITH
SALLY HARDING explains the core beliefs of the Quakers
friends of faith
Sometimes when I am asked who Quakers are much about sin. They tend to emphasise the good and what they believe, I find myself answering in in people. While accepting that we are made up of a very negative way as this seems the easiest way good and evil elements, they try to find that of God' to explain. Quakers do not have ornate buildings in everyone. This phrase was used by George Fox, to meet in, they do not have a minister or priest in who founded the movement 350 years ago, and is charge, they do not have a creed or set prayers, widely used by Quakers today. Quakers believe in there is no organised service, there are no special love in action - and though they do discuss and mull clothes and no rituals.
over ideas a great deal, they believe that it is what
you do that really counts. 'Let your lives speak' is So what do they actually do and believe? Quakers another favourite phrase. William Penn, the man meet for worship in a plain room, perhaps just with who took Quakerism to America and founded the a vase of flowers on a table. They sit in silence
state of Pennsylvania, said: "True Godliness doesn't for about an hour. In the peace and stillness they turn men out of the world, but enables them to wait for a deeper awareness of God's presence. live better in it, and it excites their endeavours to When they do feel moved to do so, they can stand mend it." Early Quakers were often imprisoned for up and give their ministry. This may be a spiritual their beliefs. Elizabeth Fry was a great champion thought, a reading from the Bible or texts from other of prison reform. Hence prison visiting has always religions, a poem, a social or personal observation, been a traditional Quaker involvement. or sometimes a political point. As each person is of equal worth, each ministry is considered of equal Love, tolerance, justice, care of the environment and importance and everyone listens and reflects in all living creatures, equality and respect for diversity, silence. Sometimes there are several ministries, forgiveness and peace - these are the beliefs at occasionally there might be none, but whatever the heart of Jainism. How like the Jains we are in happens I, personally, leave the meeting feeling many respects! The Peace Testimony, one of the calm and at peace with myself and the world, ready few 'set' writings we have, presented to Charles II to face the challenges of the week ahead. I feel in 1660, states that: “We utterly deny all outward supported and cared for by fellow Quakers, my wars and strife, and fighting with outward weapons values and beliefs strengthened.
for any end or any pretence whatsoever: this is our
testimony for the world." Over the years Quakers Quakers are very positive people. Unlike some other have developed a wide range of interpretations of 3 Christian-based approaches, they do not talk very the Peace Testimony, and nowadays many would
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