The Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) is the primary Quaker organisation that connects Friends together across the globe.
Overview
The FWCC was established in 1937 and today represents Friends from over 87 countries. It is split into four sections serving Africa, the Americas, Asia & the West Pacific, and Europe & the Middle East. The FWCC’s World Office is in London at Friends House and its mission statement is:
Since 1948, the FWCC has had ‘consultative’ status with the United Nations and is responsible for the two Quaker UN Offices in Geneva and New York.
The Friends World Committee for Consultation encourages fellowship and understanding among all the branches of the Religious Society of Friends.
We bring Quakers together in multiple ways to celebrate God in our lives, to gather the Quaker voice, build networks to address issues of our time, and to unite Friends within our diversity.
FWCC's work
In order to facilitate connecting Quakers worldwide, the FWCC does the following:
Brings together Friends From different countries, cultures, and Quaker traditions (unprogrammed, programmed, evangelical, pastoral) to foster understanding and relationship.
Encourages consultation, not authority. Provides spaces for listening, dialogue, and mutual learning rather than issuing doctrine or decisions for Quakers.
Holds global and regional gatherings. Organises world and section-level conferences, meetings, and consultations where Friends can share experience and worship together.
Supports communication across Quaker branches. Helps bridge theological, cultural, and historical differences within global Quakerism without forcing uniformity.
Publishes and shares Quaker resources. Produces publications and online materials reflecting global Quaker life, history, and contemporary witness.
Maintains a global Quaker network. Acts as a hub linking yearly meetings, Friends organisations, and Quaker bodies across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.
Represents Quakers internationally. Serves as a point of contact for other faith groups, ecumenical bodies, and international organisations engaging with Quakers.
Encourages faithfulness in changing contexts. Supports Friends in reflecting on how Quaker testimonies are lived out in different social, political, and cultural settings.
Promotes unity without uniformity. Holds the Quaker conviction that spiritual unity does not require sameness of belief, language, or worship style.
