Queries

Queries enable Friends, individually and corporately, to examine themselves in relation to the standards of conduct which the Society of Friends has established for itself. Meetings may find different ways in which to consider the Queries. They may provide a basis for written reports on the state of the Society. They may be presented and responded to at the opening of business meetings or in other meetings, preferably followed by a period of meditation and worship. Each Query should be considered at least once a year.

The presentation of the Queries to the local meeting should be the responsibility of the clerk unless assigned to a committee, such as Ministry and Counsel.

First Query (Silent Worship; Ministry; pp. 14, 15)

Do you attend meetings for worship in a spirit of willing service and of prayerful desire to make them profitable to each individual and to the assembled group? Are you prepared for worship expecting that your worship will be a source of strength and guidance? Are you careful not to disturb the spirit of the meeting by late arrival? Do you practice a waiting spiritual worship and a free and open ministry under Divine guidance?

Second Query (Prayer; Divine Relationship; pp. 16, 18)

Do you so order your life as to include reading, meditation and communion, that you may know more of the presence and guidance of the Divine Spirit? Do you remember the need to pray for others, holding them in the presence of God?

Third Query (Social Relations; Universal Love; pp. 28, 29)

Are love and unity fostered among you? Do you manifest a forgiving spirit and a care for the reputation of others? If differences threaten harmony among your members, is prompt action taken in a spirit of meekness and love? Do you visit one another frequently? Do you keep in touch with inactive and distant members?

Fourth Query (Sincerity; Simplicity; Moderation; pp. 18,19)

Do you keep to simplicity and moderation in your speech, your manner of living, and your pursuit of business? Are you careful to keep your business and your outward activities from absorbing time and energy that should be given to spiritual growth and to the service of your religious society? Are you just in your dealings and careful to fulfill your promises? Do you take care of such members as need aid, and assist them, when possible, to become self-supporting?

Fifth Query (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco; Use of Time; Recreation; pp. 19, 20)

Do you examine thoroughly your behavior in regard to work, leisure, diet and the use of drugs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, thus trying to avoid and to discourage practices that interfere with health, sensitivity or social responsibility? Remembering the parable of the talents, do you exercise fully those that God has given you? Do you endeavor to minister humbly and sensitively to the needs of others that they may attain their full potential?

Sixth Query (Family Relations; pp. 22-24)

Do you make your homes places of love and hospitality? Do you make a place in your daily family life for reading, meditation and prayer? Do you share your deepest beliefs with your children, while encouraging them to develop their own spiritual lives? Do you encourage their interests in constructive, creative activities and their reading of the Bible and other inspirational literature? Do you maintain a constant companionship within your families by sincere and honest communication?

When unsatisfactory relationships exist within a family, is the loving, sympathetic counsel of responsible and qualified persons made available to its members?

Seventh Query (Religious Fellowship; p. 26)

Do you fulfill the responsibility of membership in our religious society by regular attendance and support of its meetings? What are you doing to strengthen the spiritual life of the meeting and to invite others to share in its fellowship? Do you recognize and encourage the development of the spiritual gifts of your members? Are you active in advancing the religious principles of our Society and in applying the social and political implications of those principles?

Eighth Query (Educational Relations; pp. 27, 28)

Do you encourage and support the educational activities of Friends? Are you interested in the schools of your community and concerned to establish practices in these consistent with the values you cherish as Friends? What efforts are you making to increase your understanding of your Quaker and other religious heritages and their relation to other religions?

Ninth Query (General Business Procedure; pp. 40-41)

Do you hold your meetings for business in a spirit of worship? Do you seek the guidance of God, rather than acceptance of a previously formed opinion? Do you help one another in your search for unity by speaking briefly and without repetition? Are you tender and considerate of differing views, coming to a decision only when you have, with Divine assistance, found a sense of unity?

Tenth Query (Simplicity, p. 19; Stewardship, p. 21)

Do you endeavor to live in harmony with nature, avoiding pollution and the destruction of our environment? What are you doing about your use of the world's irreplaceable resources? Are you concerned for family and population planning so that future generations will be able to live on the resources available to them?

Eleventh Query (Peace and Cooperation; pp. 34-36)

Do you live in the life and power which takes away the occasion for all wars? Do you, on Christian principles, refuse to participate in or cooperate with all military effort? Do you work actively for peace and the removal of the causes of wars? Do you endeavor to cultivate good will, mutual understanding and equal opportunities for all races, creeds and nations? Have you examined your life style and possessions to make sure that the seeds of war are not found within them?

Twelfth Query (Stewardship; Business Relations; pp. 21, 30-32)

Do you regard your possessions as given you in trust and do you part with them freely for the needs of others? Are your means of livelihood in keeping with your ideals as Friends? Are you concerned that your business be primarily a service to people? What are you doing to foster upright practices in business relations? Do you maintain strict integrity in all business transactions? Do you bear a faithful testimony against all forms of gambling?