The Quakers have developed from strong Christian roots. However, personal experience and action have always been more important then dogma. Membership is by commitment, and all are invited to participate in the life of the meeting according to their talents. Rituals and sacraments do not play a part in our worship; we do not have a creed, and are open to a wide variety of beliefs. We often use different words and images - such as light, Spirit, love - to help us in our interpretation, acceptance and understanding of God. We believe also that we are enriched by other religions beyond our Christian heritage.

Some central beliefs hold us together as a religious community: there is that of God in everyone; each person can have a direct, personal relationship with God which is nurtured by worship based on silent waiting; there is no need for a priest or a minister as a mediator.These beliefs lead us to strive for:

• The equality of all human beings,
• Simplicity in our worship and in our way of life,
• Peace,
• Social justice,
• The right to freedom of conscience,
• A sense of shared responsibility for the life of our communities and the integrity of creation.

We sometimes refer to these as Quaker testimonies.