‘Quakers do not have a unique claim to silence.’ Photo: by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

‘Silence can be frightening, but it can be sacred.’

The quiet life: Mary Brown considers different kinds of silence

‘Silence can be frightening, but it can be sacred.’

by Mary Brown 15th December 2023

Over forty years ago, one of my daughters, then aged eleven, asked if she could bring a schoolfriend to Meeting for Worship. Of course I said yes, but left it to her to explain to her friend what Meeting was. After Meeting I asked the friend how she had found it and she replied, ‘Terrifying’. Apparently she had asked my daughter what would happen in the silence, and got the answer ‘nothing’.

You’ve read three free articles this month. To read more, you will need to:

  • Already subscribed? Click here to log in!
  • wait a month to see three more free of charge, or
  • register for a free account and receive two additional free articles per month, or
  • subscribe for unlimited access to our back catalogue, just £85 for the year!
Image of The Friend Publications

Subscribe to the Friend today

Become a subscriber to enjoy unlimited access to our articles, dating back to 2009! Online subscribers get the Friend to their inbox each week, can comment on articles, and dive into our 1914-18 digital archive too!

Whether you are new to Quakerism or have been going to Meeting for years, you’ll find something here to inspire, inform and challenge you.

News | Views | Reviews

Written by and for Friends on the bench

Subscribe