Represented in the Quaker Universalist Fellowship, the Universalist Friends hold to a doctrine of religious pluralism, believing that there are many paths to God.
This is a new development in Quakerism, based on the teachings of John Linton, who worshipped with the Delhi Worship Group in India, an independent meeting that was not affiliated with any larger Quaker meeting, in the 1970s. Moving to Great Britain, Linton founded the Quaker Universalist Fellowship in 1978.
His teachings spread to the United States, where a Quaker Universalist Fellowship was founded in 1983.
Most of those who joined the Universalist Friends groups in Britain and the United States were Liberal Friends from the Britain Yearly Meeting and from Friends General Conference in the United States. Interest in the Universalist Friends has been low among members of other Yearly meetings.
Those who formed the Universalist Friends were interested in continuing three of the traditional Quaker beliefs, some of which were modified.
They held that God is simply a term for the "inner light" of Quakerism, that is is best explored with other seekers in worship meetings, and that no leadership other than the inner light is required.
Over time, particularly in the United States, the Universalist Friends came to believe that all religions, or none at all, are equally true.
The QUF views its mission to serve as a moderated safe environment to support exploration and discernment, encouraging free expression, and dialogue among other branches of the Friends and the wider religious and non-religious community. They view, as equally valid, the teachings of Jesus, Buddha, Muhammed, and other religious leaders, as well as from science and history.
The QUF encourages an appreciation of a diversity of paths to truth, recognizing any belief or non-belief to be equally valid.
The QUF places more value on social action than on religious belief or spirituality.
While denying the Christian heritage of Quakerism, the QUF honors Quaker tradition, using many of the names that have been applied to God by Quakers, such as "the inner light," "the light," "the Inward Christ," "the Seed," "goodness," and "the sources of life." Value is also placed on the Quaker testimony of simplicity, honesty, integrity, humility, equality, peace, community, and stewardship.
The focus of websites listed in this category should be on the branch of Quakerism known as the Universalist Friends, including the Quaker Universalist Fellowship or any other group that would be defined as part of the Universalist Friends branch of the Society of Friends.
Recommended Resources
The NYYM is the central organizing body for Quaker meetings in New York, southwestern Connecticut, and northern and central New Jersey. Its organizational structure, committees, staff, officers, and trustees are introduced, along with a handbook, bylaws, faith and practice, and an overview of its spiritual life, community life, pastoral care, and social action projects. A calendar of sessions and events is included.
http://www.nyym.org/
Located in Oxford, Pennsylvania, the OFM believes that the Divine Spirit is accessible to everyone, and has no test of faith by creed or dogma. Utilizing a silent form of worship, a description of what can be expected during a service is set forth, along with general information about Quakers, directions, schedules, a calendar of events, and contacts. Other resources include book discussions, recommended reading, and announcements.
http://oxfordfriends.org/
Quaker Universalist Group - UK
The QUG is an informal group within the Religious Society of Friends in Great Britain who hold an annual conference, publish a journal three times a year, publish books, pamphlets, and a newsletter, advertise within the larger Quaker community, and cooperate with other groups that have similar aims. Its membership policies, programs, and goals are set forth, along with schedules, a calendar of events, and contacts.
http://qug.org.uk/
The QUV is an online news and informational site of the Quaker Universalist Fellowship. An introduction to the Quaker body is set forth, including its mission, history, background, and information about Quakers in general. Other resources include its submission guidelines, information for those interested in supporting the organization, and links to other related organizations. Its publications are identified, and a blog is included.
https://universalistfriends.org/
The Downington Friends Meeting’s origins go back to 1784 or before, becoming an official Meeting in 1811. Its history, spiritual life, peace activities, social activities, youth programs, and a calendar of events are published to the site, along with a map and directions, a general introduction to Quakerism, a description of a typical worship service, and writings of various Friends are posted to the site. Contributions may be made online.
http://downingtownfriendsmeeting.org/
