From the earliest days of the Society of Friends we have been led to work against inequality and be inclusive. We believe all people are equal and there is that of God in every man.
Originally we worked for the the inclusion and spiritual leadership of women.
Over time gender equality gave way to racial equality.
Quaker discernment around LGBTQ+ inclusion used to focus on marriage. In 2021 Quakers set out an explicit affirmation and welcome for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.
Advice and Queries is our slim volume of often quoted suggestions to help Quakers spiritually has some useful information on our approach.
Advice and Queries 16. Do you welcome the diversity of culture, language and expressions of faith in our yearly meeting and in the world community of Friends?
Seek to increase your understanding and to gain from this rich heritage and wide range of spiritual insights. Uphold your own and other early meetings in your prayers.
Advice and Queries 18. How can we make the meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured, and strangers are welcome?
Seek to know one another in the things which are eternal, bear the burden of each other's failings and pray for one another. As we enter with tender sympathy into the joys and sorrows of each other's lives, ready to give help and to receive it, our meeting can be a channel for God's love and forgiveness.
Advice and Queries 22. Respect the wide diversity among us in our lives and relationships. Refrain from making prejudiced judgements about the life journey of others.
Do you foster the spirit of mutual understanding and forgiveness which our discipleship asks of us? Remember that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.