Faith and Practice

the meaning of membership

 Membership establishes a commitment between the individual and the Religious Society of Friends within the framework of a particular Monthly Meeting. Membership implies that, for each member, the Religious Society of Friends provides the most promising home for spiritual enlightenment and growth. It commits a person to the daily pursuit of truth after the manner of Friends, and commits the Meeting to support the member in that pursuit. Membership represents the outward recognition of unity with other members of the Religious Society of Friends and a commitment to cherish and share in the living tradition.

 Ever since early Friends rejected the distinction between clergy and laity, responsibility for the full range of Meeting activities has rested with the membership. Members are expected to take an active role in corporate worship, to share in the work and service of the Society, and to live in harmony with its basic beliefs and practices. This means participating in Meeting for Worship, Meeting for Business, and committee work, and giving time, skills, and financial support to Meeting activities such as religious education, pastoral care, and witness to the broader community.

 Membership in a Monthly Meeting also confers membership in Quarterly and Yearly Meetings and the Religious Society of Friends. The strength of these bodies depends on the active involvement of members.Membership in a Monthly Meeting extends one’s joys and obligations to include the wider family of Friends around the world.