Welcome and Inclusion

Quakers believe that there is that of God in everyone and that we each have the capacity for connecting with the Divine and growing in the Spirit. Ours is a faith of listening for the voice of the Spirit and responding to it. We sometimes hear that voice in meetings for worship. Often, if we are listening, we hear it in the voices of our fellow seekers. When we rise from meeting, we do not leave the communion of the Spirit, we continue it in our announcements, invitation to fellowship, and conversations with others over coffee or tea.

Friends Meeting at Cambridge welcomes everyone into full participation in the life of the Meeting, including those of all races, cultures, or nationalities; those of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, or relationship statuses; those of all ages, whether babies, children, adults, or those with more life experience. We welcome all without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances, or anything else that too often divides us.

We recognize that there are differences among us, but believe that although we may not think alike, we can love alike. We especially proclaim this statement of welcome to any who have known the pain of exclusion or discrimination. We invite everyone to join us on this journey of reconciliation toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.

—Adapted from Transforming Quaker Welcoming and from other faith community statements