A plain introduction
Who are Quakers?
Quakers -- formally called the Religious Society of Friends -- are a movement that began in England in the 1650s. Founded by George Fox, Quakers believed that every person has direct access to the divine without the need for priests, rituals, or elaborate religious structures.
Today there are about 400,000 Quakers worldwide. Goshen Friends is part of the unprogrammed tradition, meaning our worship consists entirely of silent waiting rather than a planned service with music, scripture readings, or a sermon.
What holds Quakers together is not a shared creed but a shared practice -- the practice of sitting together in stillness and listening for what arises.
Common questions
Are Quakers Christian?
Historically yes, though Quakerism today spans a wide spectrum. Some meetings, including many in the unprogrammed tradition like Goshen, include members who hold Christian beliefs alongside those who do not. What unites the meeting is the practice of silent worship, not a doctrinal test.
Do Quakers have a creed or statement of belief?
No. Quakers have historically resisted creeds and confessions of faith. The emphasis is on lived experience and continuing revelation rather than fixed doctrine.
Do Quakers have clergy?
No. In unprogrammed meetings there is no minister or pastor. All members are considered ministers, and leadership of community affairs is shared collectively.
What is the difference between a meeting and a church?
Quakers use the word meeting rather than church for both the community and the gathering for worship. It reflects the Quaker practice of gathering together without ceremony rather than attending a formal service.
How we worship
What is unprogrammed worship?
Unprogrammed worship is exactly what it sounds like. There is no order of service. No hymns, no scripture readings, no sermon. The community gathers and sits in silence together, waiting in expectation.
If someone present feels moved by the Spirit to speak -- to share a reflection, a reading, a question, or a prayer -- they stand and speak briefly. This is called vocal ministry. When they finish they sit down, and the silence resumes. There is no response, no discussion, no applause.
Many meetings pass in complete or near-complete silence. Others include several messages. Neither is better than the other. The point is the quality of attention and openness in the room, not the quantity of words spoken.
What the hour looks like
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10:00 AM -- Meeting begins The room settles into silence as people arrive and take their seats.
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10:00 -- 10:50 -- Waiting worship The meeting holds silence. Vocal ministry may arise from any person present.
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10:50 -- Children return Children rejoin the meeting from their program for the closing minutes.
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11:00 AM -- Meeting closes A rotating volunteer welcomes everyone, invites announcements from the group, and then closes worship for fellowship.
Core values
The Quaker Testimonies
Quakers are guided by a set of values that have evolved over centuries of practice. These are not rules but testimonies -- lived commitments that shape how Friends try to act in the world. They are sometimes remembered by the acronym SPICES.
Simplicity
Living simply and without unnecessary distraction, focusing on what is essential rather than what is merely fashionable or profitable.
Peace
A commitment to nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflict, historically expressed through pacifism and opposition to war.
Integrity
Speaking truth and acting with honesty in all areas of life. Quakers historically refused to take oaths because they believed every word should be equally trustworthy.
Community
Supporting and caring for one another, making decisions together, and sharing responsibility for the life of the meeting.
Equality
Recognizing that of God in every person. Quakers were early advocates for the abolition of slavery, women's rights, and prison reform.
Stewardship
Taking responsible care of the earth and the resources we have been given.
Go deeper
Want to learn more?
These organizations offer reliable, thoughtful resources for anyone curious about Quakerism -- whether you have just discovered Friends for the first time or have been attending for years.
Friends General Conference
The umbrella organization for liberal, unprogrammed Quaker meetings in North America. Excellent introductory resources and information about Quaker practice.
Pendle Hill
A Quaker study, retreat, and conference center located nearby in Wallingford, PA. Offers workshops, publications, and longer programs for those who want to explore Quaker thought and spirituality in depth.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Goshen Friends Meeting is part of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, one of the oldest Quaker organizations in North America, founded in 1681.
Come and see for yourself
No amount of reading fully prepares you for what it is like to sit in unprogrammed worship. The best way to understand it is to experience it. You are welcome any Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Plan your visit →