Who We Are
New Bedford Friends Meeting is part of the worldwide Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). We come together in expectant silence, listening for spiritual wisdom, clarity, and truth. Our community includes lifelong Quakers, curious seekers, and folks from many faith traditions.
Our History
Quakers have deep roots in Massachusetts and New England, contributing to abolition, women’s rights, prison reform, and peacemaking.
New Bedford itself has a long Quaker heritage, abolitionists, whalers, educators, and community builders.
New Bedford Friends Meeting continues that legacy today through service, activism, and community engagement.
What We Believe
Quakers don’t require creeds or dogma. Instead, we focus on experience, listening inwardly and acting outwardly.
Our core values (known as the SPICES testimonies) guide our daily lives:
- Simplicity: Living with focus and intention
- Peace: Practicing nonviolence and reconciliation
- Integrity: Being truthful, transparent, and authentic
- Community: Supporting one another with love
- Equality: Affirming the worth of every person
- Stewardship: Caring for the Earth and all creation
Our Meeting Style
We are an unprogrammed meeting, meaning:
- No ministry
- No prepared sermons
- Silence is our shared form of worship
- Anyone may speak if moved by the Spirit
Our Commitment to New Bedford
Our members are involved in local nonprofits, social concerns work, arts and culture, and environmental advocacy. We believe faith is lived through service.
New Bedford Friends Meeting 