Quakers are all about spiritual practices (and committees, and also potlucks). You have a situation? We’ve got a spiritual practice/committee/potluck for you! But seriously, Quakers have one tried and true spiritual practice for discernment: the Clearness Committee.
What is a Clearness Committee? Jan Hoffman, Quaker Elder from New England Yearly Meeting, says this, “A clearness committee meets with a person who is unclear on how to proceed in a keenly felt concern or dilemma, hoping that it can help this person reach clarity. It assumes that each of us has an Inner Teacher who can guide us and therefore that the answers sought are within the person seeking clearness.” More info from Jan on clearness committees
What is the history of Clearness Committees among Friends? Here’s an explanation by Earlham Professor and Quaker Historian Tom Hamm .
How do you form a clearness committee? Here’s an excellent primer by Quaker educator Parker Palmer.
Need help forming a clearness committee?
Discernment: The Five W’s:
