More on Liberal Quakers
A phenomenon of the late 19th century, liberal Friends currently form about 20 percent of the global Quaker population. Meetings for worship among liberal Friends are unprogrammed and monthly meetings are generally permissive in terms of belief, tending to be liberal in their politics. [Adapted from the Historical Dictionary of Friends.]
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In the U.S., Friends General Conference is the national body that's widely considered to speak for Liberal Friends.
On the Blogs
I heard “new light.” For instance, among our “deep differences,” some of us derive energy and greater connection to God when encountering Difference; others are discouraged by it. But above all, I think I heard weariness over protracted conflict, fear of further loss of numbers if the decision were delayed, and a deep desire not to inhibit the ministry of others.
Tags: quaker
quaker.fum
quaker.liberal
quaker.indiana
On the whole, Quakers don’t worry about boundaries and labels much. Although you find the occasional schismatic or denominationalist flare-up in Quaker history, the general culture of Quakerism (especially these days) avoids policing the boundaries of the church. Quakers don’t worry about doctrines, but instead welcome anyone who wishes to engage in the practices of worship and community with us. It is really astounding to see this in practice, and it is something I have found only in Quakerism.
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quaker.conservative
quaker.evangelical
quaker.liberal
quaker.seekers
quaker.northcarolina
Newspaper ads and posters over the next 10 days will feature attractive people involved in conflict-resolution, nuclear disarmament and campaigns against the arms trade... Indeed, Quakerism is more like a political movement or even party.
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quaker.britainym
quaker.media
quaker.liberal
outreach
y offer us a challenge, one that a person desirous of a rigorously honest spiritual life may welcome. As we’ve seen, the first Quakers reacted against a religion that rationalized the unjust and hypocritical status quo. Studying their words and lives with open minds and hearts, we may come to question our own condition...
Tags: quaker
quaker.liberal
quaker.baltimore
We should seem, if not “dangerous,” curiously, strikingly challenging. Apparently not. If Joel is right and we are simply predictably liberal and politically correct, we have failed to be true to our tradition and our callings... We have work to do.
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quaker.oregon
quaker.liberal
quaker.media
If you vote Democrat, raise chickens but don’t eat them, wear Jesus sandals and own a first edition of the Moosewood Cookbook stained with the vital fluids of homegrown tomatoes, you might qualify to be a Friend.
Tags: quaker
quaker.liberal
quaker.oregon
quaker.seekers
“Our words can get in the way of hearing each other” was a comment and a sentiment that was expressed by many Friends. If there was a theme to emerge from this years activities at Yearly Meeting then it was about the limitations of language... We make assumptions, use words sloppily or too carelessly, to attack or silence each other or that have this unintended effect on each other.
Tags: quaker
quaker.universalism
quaker.liberal
quaker.britainym
Is there a coherence to Western Independent Friends? Are we different from other Liberal Quakers? What's the historical perspective? Do the five sentences of the first discipline of the College Park Association of Friends offer anything distinctive?
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quaker.california
quaker.colorado
quaker.oregon
quaker.seattle
quaker.liberal
convergent
Progressives need to own up to the simple fact that there is such a thing as bad theology. And if we are to start naming and resisting bad theology, looking at faith groups who use anachronistic scriptural justifications to actively dehumanize others seems about as good a place to start as any.
Tags: quaker
quaker.christianity
quaker.liberal
Young adults have been the leaders in many social and religious movements throughout history, including many influential times in our past as Quakers. I see that happening in exciting ways today, as YAFs call for renewal of spiritual accompaniment and accountability, seek deep authentic spiritual connections across differences, and use technology to share across boundaries of all types.
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quaker.philadelphia
quaker.liberal
quaker.fgc
youth
In the silence that followed her talk, someone in the body started to sing. The microphone spacers quickly rose and indicated with hand gestures to quiet down and stop. A number of the people on the stage who were holding the body in prayer also rose at this time, as did some people in the body. The singing quickly subsided. This was another indication of the increased discipline of the body and our increased ability to sit in a difficult place and stay there.
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quaker.fum
quaker.boston
quaker.liberal
quaker.sexuality
Link is to category. First stop, the Great Meeting House, built 1699
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quaker.boston
quaker.liberal
Challenged by Phil Gulley's message: "Are we talking about Love as God calls us to, or are we talking about that wishy washy half-way, not really doing it word: tolerance? Says Gulley: 'No where in the gospels does it say to tolerate someone. Love says I will seek the best for you! It does not say I will put up with you!'"
Tags: quaker
quaker.liberal
quaker.fum
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