The Quakers: an introduction

The course is an introduction to the core Quaker experience, that of listening to the voice within, and why an institution with an 'archaic' image still has meaning and resonance for people today. The Religious Society of Friends, popularly known as Quakers, originated in the Christian church but, with Equality as the overriding principle, it has dispensed with all hierarchical structures and rituals. The purpose of a Quaker 'Meeting is to empower individuals to achieve spiritual growth and be enabled to translate feelings into socially positive action. From the mysticism of the Early Quakers to the quietism of more recent times, Quakers have developed a reputation for integrity, social responsibility and peace-building. This introduction will hopefully raise as many questions as it answers.