Quaker Faith and Practice may be updated for the first time since 1985

References to God could be reduced or removed from the Quakers’ main book of guidance as part of a “once in a generation” update to the faith’s teachings.

Quakerism has its roots in Christianity, but not all Quakers identify as Christians, with some considering themselves to be spiritual, agnostic, humanist or more generally “non-theist”.

More than a thousand Quakers will gather for their annual meeting in London this weekend to debate whether to create the first new edition of Quaker Faith and Practice since 1985. Transgenderism, same-sex relationships, climate change and social media are among likely topics for inclusion.

There have also been calls for references to God to be reduced to reflect the fact that some Quakers feel “uncomfortable” with the term, said Ben