ILKLEY Quakers are hosting two sessions designed to help people explore their own beliefs about God, and about how faith can be expressed.

The sessions are open to anyone who is interested in these issues, of any faith or none.

The first session focuses on Quakers and God and takes place on Friday, May 3, 2pm for 2.30pm.

A spokesperson said: “Quaker faith has been described as a search for truth, rather than an arrival. Quakerism started nearly 400 years ago, and grew out of Christianity and today finds meaning and value in other faiths and traditions. Quaker worship is characterised by stillness: a quality that is much needed today, along with the spiritual and social values derived from it.

“In this stillness, Quakers value equality, simplicity, independent thought and each individual’s path to faith. In the session we aim to explore this broadness of belief, through three short, contrasting talks about the speakers’ understanding of God, followed by discussion and questions and a period of silent contemplation.”

The second session looks at how people put their faith into practice and the challenges this brings. This is an evening session on Thursday, May 9 (7pm for 7.30 start), and will again involve three short talks, discussion and questions, and a period of silent contemplation.

Becky Lucas went to the last Quaker Quest session in Otley.

She said: “My first experience of a Quaker Quest left me pleasantly surprised after interesting insightful talks and the following discussions. I found the range of speakers’ perspectives to be enlightening and wished to explore the subjects further.

“The attenders made me so welcome and at ease with new ideas and activities such as the time we spent in silence. There was no awkwardness, judgement or pressure and the time passed quickly and peacefully. A wonderful introduction.”

Both sessions will take about two hours, and will be preceded by refreshments, and held in Ilkley Quaker Meeting House in Queens Road, Ilkley.

All are welcome to either or both sessions. The evenings are free and you will not be expected to sign up to anything.

For more information see www.ilkleyquakers.org, or Facebook page @ilkleyquakers, or email hello@ilkleyquakers.org.uk.