Finding my Community

24 January 2026

The Search

I have struggled, looking for my people. It is, perhaps, impossible to find the people with whom you agree completely. George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, could not find anyone who could “speak to my condition”. He looked for priests and others of like mind and, ultimately, had to preach his views to gather around himself those of a similar mind. Perhaps this is my issue - I am not preaching.

Commonality

The life of non-violence is central to my entire journey, including my spiritual journey. It always has been. As a child, I watched violence and was confused. Adults tried to convince me that I was “too sensitive”, but I was in touch with my spiritual nature. I cannot have spiritual communion with those who practice violence. This is central to my community.

The Way Forward

We can look at the world and be saddened that it is not what we want it to be. We can wallow in this realisation, or we can help to create the world in which we want to live. I choose the latter.

Quakers

There are things I admire about Quakers. I even have Quaker ancestors and have this added affinity. In some lifetimes, I could be a Quaker, but in this one where I am vegan, I cannot. Quakers like to present themselves as having been at the forefront of the anti-slavery campaign in the Americas, but this is not exactly the case. Yes, they eventually came into this movement, but only after some Quakers stood out against the group, calling them out for owning slaves (google “Benjamin Lay” for more on this). Current Quakers are asleep - they are willing to be part of the problem of violence, rather than the solution. Yes, there are a few vegan Quakers speaking out - bless you all! - but the Society is not ready for this new world, yet. So, my journey, it seems, will go on without The Religious Society of Friends. Maybe someday we could have communion, but not now.

Finding You

If what I discuss on this site speaks to your spirit, I welcome you into our community of peace!

May all beings know peace!