Our Quaker way is launching

What is Our Quaker way?

In 2018, Yearly Meeting agreed that it was time for a full review of our book of discipline. Our current book is Quaker faith & practice, which was first agreed in 1994. Parts have been edited since then, but the document as a whole has not been fully revised.

The Book of Discipline Revision Committee (Revision Committee) has been working since 2019 to prepare a new draft book. That draft will be launched at Yearly Meeting on 21 November 2026.

The full working title of the draft is: Our Quaker way: the spiritual discipline of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain.

The new draft is not a revised version of Quaker faith & practice – it is a completely new draft book. Over the next few years we will take our time to get to know it – to read, reflect and respond to what is in it. In July 2027 our Yearly Meeting Gathering will involve corporate discernment on the text. We expect that more revision will then be needed, and that the draft will return to Yearly Meeting for a final decision in 2030.

How can I get a copy of the draft book?

Our Quaker way will be released online at around 1pm on 21 November 2026. Printed copies will go on sale in the Quaker bookshop at the same time priced at £10. It will be possible to order further copies from the bookshop.

Two copies will also be sent to every local meeting in BYM.

How should I respond to the draft book?

All Quakers (individuals, meetings and other types of communities) are invited to read, reflect, respond. There will be resources available for study groups as well as opportunities to meet and share reflections. You can find the resources on the Woodbrooke website.

Between November and next spring, the Revision Committee will receive responses from the read, reflect, respond process. They will use what they learn as part of their preparation for Yearly Meeting Gathering in July 2027.

Is there anything else I should do?

The Revision Committee asks Quakers to uphold it in prayer.

You can also:

Make sure your Quaker community knows that the draft is being published and is planning time for reflection and discussion in the first half of 2027.

Plan space in your own diary for reading, reflecting, and responding, as well as attending discussions about the draft and Yearly Meeting in session.

Explore Woodbrooke's resources which include events, courses and guides for running sessions or self-study.

More information and links to the draft of Our Quaker way and access to online resources will be available at www.quaker.org.uk/newbook.

Any questions? Please contact the Revision Committee secretary by email on newbook@quaker.org.uk