Quaker

The term Quaker commonly refers to members of the Religious Society of Friends, a religious movement founded in England in the 17th century as a rejection of Anglicanism. Conceived as a primitive form of Christianity centered on the personal experience of God, this mystical movement favors the spirit over the letter, and steers clear of any rigid or written theology.

Radical equality at the heart of the movement

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Quakers is their profound egalitarianism. Rejecting any intermediary between the individual and God, the community rejects all hierarchy. Despite a few splits in the course of its history, the Religious Society of Friends has survived the centuries without major upheavals.

The solidarity of Quakers is based on their total commitment to the principles and projects that unite them.

This common alignment guides their behavior, reduces friction and ensures the cohesion of their movement.

Governance inspired by divine will

Quakers make their decisions at meetings, usually held monthly, which are considered true cults. Each decision has a precise objective, but is guided by the search for God's will, the higher common goal that brings them together.

Rather than resorting to voting, decisions are taken by consensus, considered to be the expression of God's will. Each participant listens to his or her inner voice, and the process leaves no room for power or ambition. A decision is validated only when no member convincingly opposes it, believing that it would go against the Truth.

The benefits and challenges of such a model

This method of consensus decision-making, though slow, ensures that there are no "losers" once decisions have been implemented, and that no friction remains between members. The search for collective support takes precedence, even when assemblies bring together a large number of participants.

Three principles at the heart of their governance

1. A common raison d'être: the unity of the members is based on the search for a shared divine will.
2. Consensus: decisions do not require unanimous approval, but the absence of radical opposition.
3. No hierarchy: each member participates on an equal footing.

These Quaker principles have greatly inspired modern concepts of organizational collaboration and sociocracy. They offer a sustainable and inclusive vision of governance, focused on cohesion and the search for collective meaning.