The 2026 conference will be held on 27th June at Bristol Central Quaker Meeting House, 10:00-17:00, on the topic "Quakers and law".
Throughout its history, the Religious Society of Friends has maintained a complex relationship with legal systems, grounded in their witness. From their refusal to swear oaths in court to their active participation in civil disobedience and social justice movements, Quakers have both challenged and influenced legal norms and practices. How have Quaker beliefs and practices come into conflict with or contributed to the development of legal systems? There is scope to explore a particular historical period, specific legal issues such as slavery, religious freedom, marriage, or conscientious objection and law-breaking, or broader issues such as the law of God or Gospel order.
How have Quaker values shaped their interactions with the law? How have they used the legal system to promote social change? How have courts responded to Quaker legal resistance, and what legal challenges have Quakers faced?" What is ‘the law’ for Friends?
Proposals for papers with a 200 word abstract should be emailed to [email protected] by Monday 5th January 2026.
You may book your place via the Woodbrooke website here: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/quaker-studies-conference/
Throughout its history, the Religious Society of Friends has maintained a complex relationship with legal systems, grounded in their witness. From their refusal to swear oaths in court to their active participation in civil disobedience and social justice movements, Quakers have both challenged and influenced legal norms and practices. How have Quaker beliefs and practices come into conflict with or contributed to the development of legal systems? There is scope to explore a particular historical period, specific legal issues such as slavery, religious freedom, marriage, or conscientious objection and law-breaking, or broader issues such as the law of God or Gospel order.
How have Quaker values shaped their interactions with the law? How have they used the legal system to promote social change? How have courts responded to Quaker legal resistance, and what legal challenges have Quakers faced?" What is ‘the law’ for Friends?
Proposals for papers with a 200 word abstract should be emailed to [email protected] by Monday 5th January 2026.
You may book your place via the Woodbrooke website here: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/quaker-studies-conference/