| Photo: The Clearing in Autumn by Dave Clark |
Quaker Beliefs | Membership |
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The meaning and role of membership varies between Quaker meetings.
At Midlothian Friends Meeting becoming a member is a process by
which a friend can make a formal and explicit commitment to the
underlying principles of the Religious Society of Friends and the
meeting community. Membership is not necessary to indicate one's
commitment. Midlothian Friends Meeting is resolved to not use membership as an indicator of spirituality or commitment to Quakerism and the meeting community. The meeting tries to be careful not to give the impression of elitism for members. Applying for Membership The procedures for applying for membership begins with a letter or email written by the prospective member and sent to the clerk of the Care and Counsel committee. For more details open the full document outlining the process. |
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| The Membership Process | ||
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The letter of application is considered by the Care and Counsel Committee and is used as an introduction for a 'Clearness committee', chosen by the applicant from meeting members and attenders. That committee meets with the applicant in a worshipful manner to explore his or her clarity on becoming a member. If the applicant arrives at a sense of clearness about becoming a member, the request for membership is then brought to the next Meeting for Business. If the process outlined above was followed by the Clearness committee and there are no unusual considerations, the membership is approved. Once the application is approved, Midlothian Meeting minutes the person's acceptance into the Society of Friends. Applicants who are minors are accepted as full members of the Society of Friends using the same process, perhaps slightly modified to fit the age of the minor. |
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Quaker Beliefs
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Testimonies |
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Testimonies are the vehicle for Friends to bear witness to, and
carry out, our beliefs. Some of the testimonies are vital to
Friends; other testimonies, adapted for the culture of 17th century
England, now seem quaint and archaic.
The Major Testimonies The major testimonies are well-known. These include the: Peace testimony, which abhors participation and support of war in any form. Equality testimony, which holds that all person are equal before God, regardless of their sex, race, class, or other condition. This testimony began with the testimony of equality of men and women. Simplicity testimony, which values simplicity and moderation in speech, living, and clothing. In modern times, this is visible by the informality with which we dress for Meeting for Worship. Truth testimony, which inspires Quakers to speak the truth on all occasions, and to avoid oath-taking, which implies that when not under oath, a person might not be telling the truth. Instead of swearing (as in swearing in before a court), most jurisdictions today acknowledge a person's right to affirm. |
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| Midlothian Friends Meeting P.O. Box 1003, Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 598-1676 |