House of Worship

The Friend's Meeting house is across from Stuyvesant Park at 16th Street.  They are commonly called Quakers because they 'tremble at the word of God'.   The term was first used as a put-down by their enemies but today the Friends use it themselves.  They began to appear in England in the 1640's, at the height of the Reformation.
They believe in "continuing revelation".  Truth is continually revealed to us from God, so there is no need for Priests.  They reject religious symbolism and the sacraments. The Society of Friends has evolved over the centuries.  The evangelical sect, the largest, believe in the literal interpretation of the bible as God's word.  The liberal sect believe in an evolving relationship between us and God.  Some liberal sects are universalist and even non-theistic.  Traditionally the Quakers have always and still believe in the full equality of women, pacifism, anti-slavery, social action and refusal to swear an oath.  Their children are taught their SPICES along with their ABC's.
S...simplicity
P...Peace
I...Integrity
C...Community
E...Equality
S...Stewardship
"My religion is very simple.  My religion is kindness."
The Dalai Lama.