Thought for the Week: Being a Quaker
Michael Wright reflects on 'Being a Quaker'
The badge ‘I’m a Quaker – ask me why’ encourages and challenges us all to articulate our own responses. Sharing with one another why we are Quakers, what belonging means to us, and what we have found in becoming Friends, enriches the quality of fellowship within Meetings. It also gives us confidence to wear those badges, and be able to answer simply and honestly why we are Quakers.
I know of too many Friends who have such a badge, but won’t wear it because they feel so uncertain about what they will say if someone does ask them: Why are you a Quaker? There is no definite answer. Each of us will grow as we articulate our own response, and as we listen to and learn from other Friends articulating their responses. I chose to draft my own responses in a number of initial points – and stopped when I got to ten. These are just some reasons why I am a Quaker.
First, I found the welcome at my local Quaker Meeting to be warm, friendly and welcoming – gentle, not over-powering – accepting and non-judgemental.
Second, in Meeting for Worship we listen with an openness to the Spirit, in a deep stillness, in which my spiritual life can grow and develop. I treasure that.
Third, I like the simplicity and informality at Quaker Meetings, and the focus on important matters like social justice, spiritual growth, respect and opportunities for everyone, a practical concern for those we can help, and a good deal of openness to accept differences. There is no hierarchy: we are all equally able to contribute to our corporate life.
Fourth, I like the fact that Quakers accept that each of us is on a spiritual journey of discovery, open to new experiences and ideas. We do not have a prescribed statement of belief that all must abide by. We have a respect for people with different cultures, traditions and beliefs from ours, while remaining true to our Quaker ways. This is both supportive and freeing. I like that.
Fifth, the day-to-day guide for the Quaker way is a little booklet called Advices and queries. I have treasured this for more than fifty years – long before I became a Quaker. It encourages us to ‘Live adventurously’, and to let our lives speak as we seek to be true to our values, and as we practice our spiritual life.
Sixth, I have found that integrity, love in action, building peace to counter conflict or aggression, seeking justice and equality, are all highly regarded among Quakers generally. I left my previous religious allegiance because its members had too many other pre-occupations and priorities which I no longer shared.
Seventh, I am encouraged by my fellow Quakers to have a deep concern for the sustainability of our environment, and to use our resources responsibly.
Eighth, the Quaker business method is a careful, patient, and truly consultative method of reaching decisions. I like that.
Ninth, I like the way we seek to help our young Friends. We draw together isolated individuals, or tiny groups of young people between the ages of eighteen to thirty-ish, to some residential weekends each year and for social and spiritual gatherings, which include opportunities for overseas journeys, and for service within the British Isles and abroad.
Tenth, the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth is the religious tradition I have known since I was a boy, and the one I seek to follow. I do so even though, with my current knowledge and many years of experience and reflection, my understanding of God and many other beliefs are different from his, and different from the doctrines the churches declare are necessary to be regarded as genuinely Christian. I can explore this tradition within the Religious Society of Friends with encouragement from others, even though they have different views from me.
I do so hope that Friends will try to write out their own responses to the question, and then talk about them with other Friends.
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