Quakerism is a spiritual path based on direct experience of the divine Truth. There are many aspects of Quaker beliefs and practice that will seem new and unusual to a person encountering Quakerism for the first time. There are no official creeds, dogmas or hierarchy. Quakers instead obtain spiritual guidance from the individual experience of each person and the collective discernment of the Quaker community.
Many Quakers feel that there is 'that of God in everyone' and commonly speak of the 'inner light' in each person. This has inspired a strong commitment to the principles—or testimonies—of simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. The Quaker peace testimony, which has inspired the rejection of all violence and wars, is one of the most well known aspects of Quakerism.
Quaker worship is characterised by silent contemplation and meditation interspersed, at times, with spontaneous vocal ministry. Any person in the meeting (church) who feels moved to do so can offer ministry. While people may express themselves differently, each person's ministry is accepted in the spirit it is spoken as each person has something of the truth in them. More information about meetings for worship can be found in the First Time in Meeting pamphlet (pdf).
If you are interested to find out more about Quaker beliefs and practice, you may wish to read: