Not all Friends think alike, but we all share a few simple beliefs. We believe that within each person is “that of God,” or what we often call the inner light.  We believe that by focusing our attention on this inner light within ourselves and within others, we may experience the Holy Spirit and bring it to bear on our actions in the here and now.  Quakers place the highest value on this spiritual experience, which we believe is universally accessible.

These simple beliefs have led us to adopt certain testimonies of faith: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality.

These are goals to which every Friend strives, and they are what makes Quaker life somewhat peculiar.  We “meet,” rather than “go to church,” because the Spirit is available everywhere at all times.  We worship in silence, because silence frees the Spirit to move us.  We do not hire clergy, because we are all capable of ministering to each other.  We welcome everyone to worship with us, because everyone possesses unique spiritual gifts regardless of how they live their lives.  We do not proselytize, but when asked, most Friends will generously offer information.  If you visit with us, we will try to make friends with you, but we will not try to make a Friend of you.

We believe that these practices are at the very heart of the teachings of Jesus Christ.  That said, we are not a people of "The Book."  We value the Bible as a tremendous spiritual resource, but Quakers don't often go about reciting chapter and verse.  We are open to and enthusiastic about many other religious traditions, but we do not subscribe to any creed.  We believe that spiritual truths are not the property of any religious sect, and that they are best demonstrated not in recitals of scripture or catechism, but in positive social action.