Have your actions today affected others in a positive way ?
Who we are
The Religious Society of Friends began in Britain in the 17th century with the teachings of George Fox, and is now worldwide. Of the quarter million Quakers worldwide, around 2000 are in Australia ... more
The name 'Quakers' began as a nickname in 1650 … more
Where we worship
Click on the state where you wish to worship to find a Meeting:
News & Current Events
Statement on David Lowe, a Queensland Quaker
Queensland Regional Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is aware that one of its members, David G Lowe, has been described in some Internet discussion groups as being employed by Quakers in an unusual role. We would like to make it clear that David G Lowe is not employed by us for any purpose. He is a valued member in good standing of the Society, and is currently a Queensland Regional Meeting overseer. He has served Queensland Regional Meeting as a volunteer in many other ways.
Quaker issues for action in 2008
Issues for action agreed at Yearly Meeting in January 2008:
- Global warming —Australian Quaker and IPCC member Barrie Pittock revealed the escalation of climate change; Australian Quakers are seeking ways to make a 2-3 % decrease in carbon emissions each year and have agreed to make any air travel carbon neutral by paying the equivalent in Gold Standard carbon credits.
- Earthcare — as well as concerns about carbon emissions, Australian Quakers have committed to look at their care of the Earth, agreeing to an Earthcare Statement and committing to putting this into action.
- Indigenous justice — Australian Quakers are delighted to hear that Kevin Rudd is preparing a Sorry statement, and urge the Prime Minister to
- reinstate the community development employment program (CDEP)
- reintroduce the permit system, and
- not drive Aboriginal people from their land
- The Middle East conflict —Australian Quakers received a first-hand report from their Presiding Clerk, who visited Palestine and Israel in December, and are considering what actions they can take in 2008 to lessen the suffering in this region. [Middle East peace statement]
- Restoring peace in the Pacific — Australian Quakers have given financial support to Hannah Middleton and Dennis Doherty of the Anti-bases Campaign for their work in Guam, where US military bases are causing hardship for the Indigenous people.
Read Yearly Meeting documents by clicking here: Yearly Meeting page.
To view photos from Yearly Meeting 2008, click here.
Nonviolence Calendar
The nonviolence calendar celebrates active nonviolence, with people for each day of the year and prominent leaders or organizations highlighted each month: http://www.quakers.org.au/nonviolence/
Directory for Travelling Friends
An Australian Directory for Travelling Friends, listing options for homestay accommodation for Friends visiting Australian states is now available from the Friends' Booksales , PO Box 181, Glen Osmond SA 5064.
Cost: AU $5.00 plus postage & packaging.
What we believe
Guidelines for living the Quaker way can be found in Quaker Advices and Queries.
Our beliefs lead to specific approaches to peace and social justice issues, including:
- Peace
- Testimonies
- Homosexuality
- Indigenous Peoples
- Quakers and the death penalty
- Quakers and the Environment
For media comments on these issues, contact the national office —
Email YMsecretary@quakers.org.au or telephone 07 3374 0135.
To read Public Statements from Quakers in Australia on these and other topics, click here.
Also check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
