Thee Quaker Podcast

Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs.

Visit our episode page for links, discussion questions, and the transcript.

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We don’t hear much about Quakers in China, but from the very early days of the faith, Friends felt called to go to the Far East. 

On today’s episode, we explore the history of Quaker missionaries in China — both evangelical and liberal — as they lived and worked amid wars, internal conflict, and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party. And we ask, how can Friends renew their concern for this region?

This episode was supported by the Friends World Committee for Consultation's celebration of George Fox's 400th birthday. Find events around the world and online resources at fwcc.world/fox.

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On today’s vocal ministry episode, Quaker pastor Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii in which he was confronted with the uncomfortable marriage of Christianity and colonialism. Mark is the pastor of West Hills Friends, a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, and he speaks to the need to attend to Spirit in the natural world.

Transcripts, discussion questions and more on our episode page.

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Monopoly is a game of wealth and property…or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the twisty history of the world’s most popular board game, from its anti-capitalist origins to the Quakers who transformed the game into what it is today. This is a story of innovative women, big business, deceit, and the unknown legacy of Friends.

We've got photos, additional Monopoly info, a transcript, discussion questions, and more on our episode page.

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This week we’re sharing our first international vocal ministry episode by taking you inside a Kenyan service! While visiting Kisumu, Kenya, our colleague, Hannah Mayer got to visit Friends Church Manyatta — a lively evangelical Quaker congregation in the city of Kisumu.

Join us as we hear a message of faith, peace, and new life from Reverend Pamela Igesa as well as songs and testimonials from the congregation.

Find a transcript of this episode with discussion questions, see photos from Manyatta, and more on the episode page.

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If you’re looking for Quakers, go to Kenya. There are more Quakers in the East African country than anywhere else in the world, and their numbers are growing. Although American missionaries first introduced them to the faith, Kenyan Friends have made Quakerism their own. 

On this episode, we explore the history of Friends in Kenya, their commitment to peace, the challenges they face today, and why their numbers are growing so quickly.

Visit the episode page at QuakerPodcast.com for discussion questions, a transcript, and links.

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George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence.

Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this episode, he shares his deep conviction that pacifism is the way forward, even in an age of troubling conflict and polarization. We asked George about his lifetime of nonviolent activism, and why Quakers are pacifists.

Find more resources, discussion questions, and a transcript on the episode page.

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Do you have a daily spiritual practice?

On today’s episode, we’re exploring ways that spiritual discipline has helped Quakers connect with the Spirit today and throughout history. 

We made this episode to celebrate the launch of our newest project, the Daily Quaker Message, a daily Quaker devotional designed to nourish your spiritual journey.

Visit our episode page for more information on the topics we discussed today, discussion questions, a transcript and more.

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April is National Poetry Month in the US, and we’re celebrating with an episode on Quakers and poetry. We know many people love poetry, but it can also feel opaque. So, we called up two Friends who have found a home both in Quakerism and in verse.

In our first segment, bestselling author Parker Palmer tells us how he gained a love of poetry and how it helped him during a mental health crisis. He'll also help us find a way into the practice of reading poetry for ourselves.

For the second half of our episode, award-winning writer Leah Naomi Green gives us an intimate and experiential look into how her poetry connects with motherhood and the natural world.

Learn more about our guests, find discussion questions and more on the episode page.

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Feeling lost, lonely, and directionless is part of the human experience, just ask the Biblical prophet Elijah. Faced with death for his convictions, he ran into the wilderness and found a God who met him in his grief and despair.

On today’s episode, Quaker pastor Andy Stanton-Henry shares a message of getting lost and being found by the still small voice of the divine. And he helps us lean in to hear it, too.

Transcripts, discussion questions, and more information about our guest can be found  on our episode page.

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