The Quakers have developed from strong Christian roots. However, personal
experience and action have always been more important than dogma. Therefore
we do not have a creed, and are open to a wide variety of beliefs.
Some central beliefs hold us together as a religious community:
- The light of God is in everyone.
- Each person can have a direct, personal relationship with God - there is no need for a priest or a minister as a mediator.
- Our relationship with God is nurtured by worship based on silent waiting.
- The nature of God is love.
These beliefs lead us to strive for:
- the equality of all human beings,
- simplicity in our worship and in our way of life,
- peace,
- social justice,
- the right to freedom of conscience,
- a sense of shared responsibility for the life of our communities and the integrity of creation.
We sometimes refer to these as Quaker testimonies.