Quaker process refers to how we decide what to do
on a matter that comes before Meeting for Business. Quaker process is a
decision-making style that resembles consensus, although Friends prefer to view
it as “achieving unity in the Spirit”. Unlike voting, which divides
a group into those who agree and those who don’t, Friends seek all points
of view on an issue and only act on decisions around which unity is
reached. Friends do not endeavor to
persuade or convince one another of their point of view, as that would not show
respect for the Light within that person.
Quaker process involves group discernment of what
the Spirit leads the Meeting to do. This does not necessarily require unanimous
agreement, though often unanimity occurs. In some cases a disagreeing
individual may step aside or be recorded as standing aside,
sensing that his or her concern is not of sufficient weight to stop the decision
(stand in the way) or through a sense that the Meeting is guided by
the Inner Light. However, no one who feels that a decision is against
God’s will should step aside until his or her mind is clears. Clarity
should not be achieved through persuasion by others in the Meeting, but through
the attention of all participants to the Inner Light. The appearance
of disagreement in a meeting is most often a signal that a period of silent
waiting is needed.
Quaker process centers on group decisions instead
of individuals’ points of view. Although all present may be given a
chance to be heard, Friends are expected to use self-control and to only speak
when led by the Spirit. A Friend should rarely speak twice on the same issue in
a single meeting. Friends speak only when they have something new to add to the
process, not merely to support others.
No decision can be made until unity is reached.
This system may sound cumbersome; sometimes it is, but it works. Often a lone
dissenter turns the group toward a final solution that is richer and more
satisfying to all than any of the originally purposed alternatives. It becomes
clear, after watching Quakers conduct business that the majority does not
always have the truth, nor is it necessarily on the right path.
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