It is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately describe what Quakers believe.  This is because a wide variety of beliefs and practices are possible and respected within the Religious Society of Friends.  Most Friends can agree that Friends are seekers of the truth of the Divine, even if we don’t all agree what that “Divine Entity” or the “Divine” is. 

“If you were to ask ten Quakers to explain to whom they were listening and speaking in the silence, and just what was their idea of God, I doubt very much that you would get two identical answers; and I doubt still more whether agnostics would find one answer to satisfy them among the lot.  The fact is, that when we try to explain, even to ourselves, what we mean by God, ordinary words fail us.”

Kathleen Lonsdale, quoted from “Plain Living, A Quaker Path to Simplicity”, by Catherine Whitmire

Friends believe that each person has equal access to God and therefore there are no formal ministers or priests who “lead” the worship service or preach to others about what to believe.  Instead we attempt to discern it for ourselves and then share those leadings with those in our community.  We believe in experiencing God and Divine presence and translating that into everyday practice.