Friends place an emphasis upon expressing their faith through their lives rather than through a written creed of specific belief. The set of Quaker values on how we should live our lives is referred to as the Testimonies. Friends' testimonies include: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and the Environment. These are the values that guide everyday behavior. Quakers, along with Mennon
ites and the Church of the Brethren, are included as one of the Historic Peace Churches in being opposed to war and all forms of violence, believing in nonviolent means of social and political change. Fort Collins Friends practice a form of open, silent worship. Friends come together on the First Day (Sunday) in silence waiting to be moved to speak; any Friend may speak, but will only do so with urging from an Inner Light deep within. This form of worship is referred to as an "unprogrammed" meeting in that there is no set service of Bible readings, singing or other ritual. Quaker meetings of this type believe that all are called to be ministers, so all of our business and works are carried out by community members ourselves. Silent meetings are conducted in great simplicity without sermons, singing, or formal readings unless a Friend is so moved to share the promptings of the Spirit.
