Quakers have been active in Colchester for more than three centuries (see history page).  Some eighty local Friends were imprisoned for their faith during the religious persecution of the seventeenth century, the best known of whom was James Parnell,  many others were ridiculed, beaten and fined, but they continued to live and worship in the Quaker way.

Quakers do not have creeds and we will not tell people what to believe.  We are active in working for peace and justice.  Colchester Quakers have always been particularly active on the issue of homelessness.  Quakers seek to answer that of God in all people, without regard to race, creed, gender or sexual orientation.  Our faith is lived out in our lives, not just for an hour on Sundays.

Our Meeting House foyer houses our library.  Most books can be borrowed by anyone.  A full listing of the library stock can be viewed on the catalogue page.

More information on the Quaker movement in the UK can be found on the website of our national head office, Friends House, Euston, London.

We hope that you will join us for our Meetings for Worship which are held at 10:30 each Sunday and 12:30 each Wednesday.  You do not have to be a member to join in with our meetings.

Quakers are not led by any priest or minister.  There is no ceremony, but a silent time of united seeking for spiritual truth and light.  Each person will have a unique path to follow.  Anyone may feel moved to share their insights briefly with the meeting.

Visitors are always welcome.  We will be pleased to answer any questions you have.  The ground floor of our building, including the Meeting Room, has wheelchair access.  There is a crèche and a children's meeting on Sundays, run by members of our meeting, and we have a simple shared lunch after meeting on Wednesdays, for which a small charge is made.

We look forward to seeing you.