“On Quaker Unity” Quaker Study – Winnipeg Monthly Meeting October 30, 2016, 9:30 am What does it mean to come to “unity” in a Quaker meeting? What makes it different from decision-making based on unanimity or consensus? How is it fundamental to Quaker practice? The concept of unity can be hard to grasp, even for “seasoned” Friends. Please join us at our upcoming Quaker study for a discussion on unity. We invite you to come and share your questions about and understandings of unity – a concept that’s central to Quaker practice. In preparation, here are some quotes and other resources about Quaker unity: From the article “Notes on Quaker Unity” Unity is a commitment to move forward together and does not mean we have to hold the same views. Friends’ decision-making is rooted in the spiritual oneness of a religious community. Attaining unity is not the same as attaining uniformity. Unity is spiritual. Uniformity is mechanical. Unity does not require unanimity. Quaker unity is larger than that. Unity is love, not likeness. We need to support each other when we disagree just as we do when we agree. Searching for doctrinal unity is pointless… We do not need doctrinal unity. Our […]
Tag: Winnipeg Quakers
Advices and Queries for September 22
21. Do you cherish your friendships, so that they grow in depth and understanding and mutual respect? In close relationships we may risk pain as well as finding joy. When experiencing great happiness or great hurt we may be more open to the working of the Spirit.
What to expect if you visit
If you have never been to a Quaker Meeting before, this page may be helpful. What are “Quakers”? Quakers are members of the Religious Society of Friends, a faith that emerged as a new Christian denomination in England during a period of religious turmoil in the mid-1600’s and is practiced today in a variety of forms around the world. To members of this religion, the words “Quaker” and “Friend” mean the same thing. Quakers are an active, involved faith-based community living in the modern world. We continue our traditional testimonies of non-violence, social equality, and simplicity, which we interpret and express in a variety of ways. Today, many Friends include stewardship of our planet as one of our testimonies. Quakers are not Amish, Anabaptists, Shakers or Puritans–we come from a separate tradition than these other groups. We don’t dress like the man on the box of oats anymore, and today we hardly ever call people “thee.” Quakers have no dogmas or creeds and no paid ministers. Each participant seeks to experience and learn about the religious life for her or himself. We have the conviction that each person has a direct relationship with God and that there is something of […]