A common theme on the religion pages of most newspapers these days is that many churches are experiencing decreasing attendance. Whether this is because of a sense of despair over what seems to be the mess humankind has made of our world, or for some other, less apocalyptic reason, such as busyness or apathy, it strikes me that turning one's back on religion may not be the most helpful response. If we are despairing, or too busy, or apathetic, we may need support for our spiritual lives more than ever. A recent resurgence of interest in music (and other observances) of an essentially spiritual nature attests to the fact that many people do feel a deep need for God, even if that need is not met in a church service.

Those who, despite the inherent reticence of the Religious Society of Friends, learn about Quakerism may find the directness and practicality of this three-centuries-old faith very appealing. When I first came to a Meeting for Worship, I found a special spiritual energy resulting when the Light within all the worshippers is focused - "centred" - to provide an illumination that one can rarely experience alone. It is something I want to share with others who are seeking answers to their questions - about both the outward and the inward worlds.

The Quaker faith began in the mid-1600s in England, with the journeys and preaching of George Fox, one of many who found the dogmatic and liturgical state church spiritually unsatisfying. As a result of his personal struggle and revelations, he felt compelled to travel - on foot! - around England, talking about his insights: in particular that there is "that of God" in every person, and that each of us can find and communicate with God without requiring clergy or ritual. He found a great following among those who, like him, were seeking a closer relationship with the Divine.

From Friends' basic beliefs have evolved numerous "testimonies" - not articles of dogma requiring acceptance by believers, but widely-held (among Friends) principles by which many of our actions are governed. Among these are the peace testimony, based very simply on the Biblical commandment not to kill; the testimony to truth, which has led to Quakers refusing to take oaths, since swearing implies that one is free to lie at other times; the testimony of simplicity - a challenge to the lifestyle of some modern Friends but one which most of us believe is important to right living; and the testimony of unity with nature, still being formed but already strong in most Friends' beliefs.

Some attend their first Quaker Meeting for Worship because they have encountered Quaker witness for peace, or for social justice, or for concern for the environment; some come because they have heard of the accessibility of the Friends' form of worship. In Canada, Meetings for Worship are unprogrammed, that is, Friends gather to worship in silence, except for ministry which may be offered by any worshipper out of the silence and as moved by the spirit of God. The simplicity and enormous spiritual power of this form of worship pervade the daily lives of faithful Friends. Direct contact with God - speaking to God, listening to God, and accepting the guidance of God - is not something that can be set aside on leaving the Meeting House. As a result, Quakers tend to be active and influential in society out of all proportion to their numbers.

Quakers in Canada are not proselytizers, and thus readers of this letter may not know about Quakers in their area. Perhaps this should change. One Friend has said that "we are not doing Friends or society any service by not naming the source that helps our light shine"; we should share it gently. Another has characterized Meeting as "a place of life and nourishment in a society and culture desperately seeking a grounded spiritual relationship and trying to resume its humanity in its relationship with all... with whom we share our vulnerable earth." Friends Meeting may be able to give you something you have been seeking. There is a place in Meeting for you. Welcome.