The Society of Friends believes that we are all children of the divine nature of the universe. Through continued revelations, we are capable of directly experiencing the divine spirit, which continues to reveal its divine principles to humanity. Our understanding of faith is that true human fulfillment comes from an attempt to live our lives in the spirit of love and truth, acknowledging that there is something of the divine in every person.
Friends join together with others to create a society whose goals are to achieve a balance between freedom, peace, equality, and integrity. Together, we share our experiences and resources to better understand and guide us toward a better planet.
The Society of Friends is a worldwide group calling for a spiritual revolution and a return to the faith and lifestyle of the teachings of Jesus. Friends have demonstrated a long-held commitment to putting their faith into direct action in the world. We have continued to live our lives based on our basic principles rather than any written set of beliefs. "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession," the Apostle Peter wrote to a small group of Jesus' followers. While Friends would never choose to use honorific titles, we believe that all who participate in God's kingdom will serve in this priesthood, surrendering themselves to each other and to those that need help, to reclaim the calling that was promised to humanity.
Our guiding principles, which we call "testimonies," include peace, equality, integrity, simplicity, community, and care for the earth.
The Society of Friends has its roots in the teachings of Jesus. We were founded in England during the turbulent years of the 17th century. George Fox is considered an early founder of the Friends Movement. His personality and enthusiasm made him a powerful preacher, pastor, and healer. He refused to be intimidated, and his courage and physical stamina gave credibility to a central theme of his preaching: the power through Christ to live a holy life. He initiated a major Christian awakening in England that spread to the American colonies. He also established a rich system of record-keeping that continues to this day.
Friends had suffered greatly in early England. As religious dissenters of the Church of England, they were regular targets for prosecutions. Friends beliefs were considered radical, such as the idea that women and men were spiritual equals and that there were no official ministers or religious rituals. They opted not to use titles such as "Your Lordship" and "My Lady." Thousands of friends had suffered decades of whippings, torture, imprisonment, and death.
Friends immigrated to the American colonies in part because of the persecution they faced in England. In America, Friends were persecuted and forbidden to worship freely. Friends became early advocates for the religious freedoms that were to be embedded in the First Amendment of the Constitution. Friends were also distinguished in the development of social and economic ideals significant to our country's beginnings. The early friends' social inventions, such as economic development, banking, insurance, and fixed prices for commodities, were among those established. Their practices in social justice and human rights, including the right to religious freedom, native Americans' rights, women's voting rights, and condemnation of slaveholding, were among the exemplary ideals they embraced.
Friends believe that all people are capable of directly experiencing the divine nature of the universe, and that God continues to reveal these divine principles to humanity
Friends join together with others to create a society whose goals are to achieve a balance between freedom, peace, equality, and integrity. Together, we share our experiences and resources to better understand and guide us toward a better planet.