Acadia Friends Meeting for Worship, Northeast Harbor, Mt. Desert Island, Maine
Quaker History
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is a Christian-rooted movement founded by George Fox and Margaret Fell in 17th-century England. Quaker faith and practice emphasize direct personal experience of God ("the Light Within") rather than liturgy and sacraments, and employ queries not creeds. Known for their silent worship, pacifism, equality and social justice, Friends have historically championed abolitionism, women's rights, civll rights, simple living, care for the earth, and mutual, humanitarian aid.
Quaker Beliefs
The Inward Light/Inner Light: Belief that God/the Divine speaks directly to every individual, often experienced through silent worship in community.
Equality: A foundational belief that all people are equals before God, driving Friends’ social justice and anti-war efforts.
Continuing Revelation: Conviction that God's truth is not limited to scripture or history and continues to be manifested in lives and events today.
No Outward Sacraments: Quakers generally do not practice traditional religious rituals, instead viewing all of life as sacramental. Decisions are made by a consensus process that embraces the views of all participants.
Quakers in our world today
Diversity vs Division: In a culture that amplifies political, racial, gender, and economic differences, Friends seek to appreciate the full range of human experience and to build bonds of connection among people of all ages and backgrounds.
Listening vs Lecturing: In a world where truth is obscured by biased media and misinformation, Friends look within, to one another, and to facts and history to hear the still, small voice that reliably guides reflection and action.
Action vs Apathy: At a time when current events may overwhelm our power to respond, Quakers seek to speak truth to power, to collaborate with progressive allies, and to build a more just, peaceful and sustainable world for ourselves and for others who will inherit it.