About Quakers
Being a Quaker is a way of life rather than a set of beliefs. Quakers (known to each other as “Friends”) seek to experience God directly within themselves and in their relationships with others and the world around them. All life is sacred and Friends use many words for God based on their experience tested in everyday life. Quakerism is rooted in Christianity.
Quakers meet together for worship and other activities in local and area meetings, which are inclusive and open to all. In our meetings we hope to find acceptance, support, challenge, practical help and a sense of belonging. While some of us profess our faith as Christians, we welcome all seekers. Our community does not depend on professing identical beliefs, but on worshipping, sharing and working together.
The centre of the Quaker way is the silent Meeting for Worship, where we seek a communal gathered stillness, open to the spirit of the Divine. During our Meetings for Worship some are moved to speak, others uphold the meeting in silence.
Our faith experience leads us to place a special value on truth, equality, simplicity and peace. We call this living our testimonies, as we translate faith into action by working locally and globally for social justice, in support of peacemakers and care for the environment.
Quakers say there is something sacred in all people and all are equal before God.
Faith in Action
Godalming Friends are driven to take their faith into action in many ways.
Refugees – In early November we joined a group of UK Friends to help prepare meals for refugees in the Calais and Dunkirk.
Homelessness – Singing Christmas Carols to collect money for the homeless. Every year, a group of Godalming Quakers sing for the commuters in Godalming station to raise funds.
Disarmament – We joined many other UK faiths groups in September 2019 to protest at the DSEI international arms fair.
Climate Emergency – In solidarity with Extinction Rebellion and other local environment protection groups we participate in many actions and run educational talks on the climate crisis.
Human Rights – for many years we have provided support to those affected by the conflict in Israel-Palestine with actions both locally in the UK and in Palestine.