These pages relate to marriage equality and the decision of Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends to recognise same sex marriages. The information is taken from the pamphlet which can be downloaded from the link at the foot of this page, or you can follow the "Continue to" links at the foot of each section to read the information online.
Quakers, historically, have been shaped by our personal and corporate spiritual experience, a framework which has been tested against the Bible and our testimonies - to truth and peace, equality and simplicity among others. Together these have provided the framework for our beliefs and practices. For Quakers, revelation has not been closed in the finalising of the biblical text; continuing inspiration has always been an additional source of authority. It has always been recognised that a supposed inspiration that was contradictory to Scripture might in fact be a delusion.
Now that British Quakers have committed themselves to this change, we wish to share that news with our friends among other traditions of religious life.
We begin by sharing with you the way in which we Quakers make our decisions. In considering our business, we meet in gathered silence and the stillness of worship. We do not vote; we listen and wait in the Light to discern together God’s will for us today. [1]
British Quakers felt led to commit themselves to a major change in our marriage procedures; same sex couples will in future be treated equally with opposite sex couples. In session we agreed a long Minute of which this is part:
