WOULD it be true to say that each religion is a path to spiritual experience, drawing close to God, the Divine, or what Quakers simply call the Light? Labels are less important to us as none can adequately define what is beyond words.

Quakers come together at meetings for worship in reverence and silence, hoping to find communion with godde (my spelling for a divinity that is beyond gender, neither god nor goddess). We seek an inner quiet, a stilling of the inner dialogue, so that we can be open to godde’s guidance. Sometimes people are prompted by Spirit to ‘minister’ out loud. This can be a profound experience, for the person given words to speak and for those who hear and discern a power in the ministry or a special ‘leading’ for themselves.

Communion with godde prompts an inner process, often in response to a deep feeling of being loved and being Love. This can be transformative, in both personal development and outward direction. Knowing ourselves and each other in a timeless experience of the Infinite and Eternal, Quakers believe that there is that of godde in everyone and we are often drawn to service for others, working for peace, equality, sustainability and justice in the world.

One early leader exhorted us to "live adventurously, walking cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone." Responding to the leadings of the Spirit, Quakers often change careers and travel widely in service. This seems to me a wonderful way to celebrate the amazing world we live in.

Janet Shimmin, Swarthmoor Quaker Meeting