Sense of the Meeting
Definition of “Sense of the Meeting” in Quaker Decision-Making
The Quaker term “sense of the meeting” refers to the process by which members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) discern the collective will or spiritual unity of a gathered community. Rather than relying on debate, voting, or majority rule, Quakers seek to understand where the Spirit leads the group as a whole. The sense of the meeting is not simply the sum of individual opinions; it represents a deeper spiritual consensus that arises from attentive listening, humility, and faith that divine guidance can bring unity. This distinctive form of decision-making reflects the central Quaker belief in the Inner Light, or “that of God in everyone,” which allows each person to contribute to the community’s spiritual discernment.
Historical Origins of the Quaker Sense of the Meeting
The practice of discerning the sense of the meeting dates back to the earliest days of Quakerism in the 17th century. George Fox and the first Friends believed that the Holy Spirit could guide a community as directly as it could guide individuals. Their meetings for worship and business were therefore both spiritual gatherings, not secular assemblies. Business meetings — known today as meetings for worship for business — were conducted in the same spirit of reverent waiting as silent worship. Over time, Quakers developed careful procedures to record the sense of the meeting in written minutes, not as a reflection of personal viewpoints, but as a testimony to the unity and leading of the Spirit. This practice continues to distinguish Quaker governance from conventional democratic or hierarchical models.
The Process of Reaching the Sense of the Meeting
Reaching the sense of the meeting involves a spiritual process of collective discernment. Participants gather in a spirit of worship, listening deeply both to one another and to the inward promptings of the Spirit. When a matter is brought forward, Friends may speak as they feel led, offering insights, questions, or concerns. A clerk — the person who facilitates the meeting — listens prayerfully and attempts to articulate the emerging sense of unity in written form. This minute is read aloud for approval. If the meeting feels united, the minute is accepted as the sense of the meeting. If unity has not yet been reached, Friends may pause for further reflection or defer the matter. The goal is not compromise or consensus in the political sense, but spiritual clarity and faithfulness.
Spiritual and Ethical Foundations of the Sense of the Meeting
The sense of the meeting is grounded in Quaker values of equality, integrity, and peace. It assumes that each person’s insight is valuable because each is guided by the Inner Light. The process also reflects deep trust — that the Spirit can bring diverse individuals into harmony without coercion. Ethical listening, patience, and openness to transformation are essential. Friends believe that unity reached through this process carries spiritual authority, even when it challenges personal preferences. The discipline of waiting together teaches humility, compassion, and respect, reinforcing the Quaker conviction that truth is best discovered in community.
Contemporary Relevance of the Sense of the Meeting
In the modern world, the sense of the meeting remains a powerful model of collaborative decision-making grounded in spirituality and respect. Beyond Quaker communities, this approach has influenced consensus processes in peace organisations, community groups, and activist movements seeking to work without domination or division. It offers a countercultural alternative to adversarial or competitive forms of governance, demonstrating that unity can emerge through listening, discernment, and shared purpose. In an age often marked by polarisation and haste, the Quaker sense of the meeting reminds us that true understanding requires stillness, humility, and faith — and that wisdom is most reliable when it arises from a gathered, prayerful community.