Quakers de Midi-Pyrénées

Welcome / Bienvenue

What is the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)? (Back to index)

The Quaker movement arose in the mid-17th century in England. It has been established in France since 1788. The formal title is the "Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)".  One of the original names was 'seekers' and this spirit still runs through today, we are a small community with a focus on spirituality and awareness of the inner light. who ask challenging questions but find differing answers.

If you are interested in a religion without rite or ritual, valuing peace, equality, social justice and respect for the environment, you might like to read about Quakerism at the following web sites

France Yearly Meeting with information in French and English at: http://quaker.chez.tiscali.fr/

Hans Weening’s introductory booklet to Quakers provides useful information on the history, beliefs and approach of Quakers. You can read this document at: http://www.quaker.org/fwcc/EMES/booklet.html

More information on Quakers (in English) is also available at the British Yearly Meeting web site: http://www.quaker.org.uk/more/index.html. This site also contains links to numerous other Quaker sites and resources.

What happens in a Quaker "Meeting for Worship"? (Back to index)

Quaker worship is a spiritual activity that happens when two or more people feel the need to be still together. This can happen anywhere and anytime, but Friends usually refer to a 'meeting for worship' to indicate the meeting which takes place regularly at a meeting house or another fixed place. Friends may worship entirely in silence, without words, but usually there will be some brief spoken contributions. Quakers in the Midi-Pyrénées meet at various locations in the region – see the calendar for details

Quakers in Midi-Pyrénées (Back to index)

The 'Quercy Region' and 'Toulouse and Ariège' groups hold regular meetings for worship and discussion and to enjoy shared meals.  All are welcome at these meetings.  If you would like to know more, please contact the following:

Quercy Region Meeting:

Alan Frank

Ancienne Ferme

Salvezou

46150 Catus

Telephone: 05 65 21 43 27

Karina Knight-Spencer

e-mail: karina.knight-spencer [at] wanadoo.fr

Toulouse and Ariège Meeting:

Kim chevalier

Le Taus

09320 Soulan

05 61 96 79 55

Kim Chevalier

e-mail: chevalier [at] ariege.com

Directions to the Temple Protestant de la Cote Pavee (Back to index)

Toulouse and Ariège meetings are frequently held at the Temple at the Cote Pavée, 51 Chemin de Lafilaire, 31500 Toulouse.
    If you’re coming from outside Toulouse the best thing is to get onto the ‘rocade’, the multi-lane ring-road that runs all around Toulouse. Get off at the "Pont des Demoiselles" exit (no. 21).
    Follow Boulevard de la Mediterranee in the direction of 'centre ville', with the Canal du Midi on your left, and follow any signs pointing to the Cote Pavee. Keep going straight as the name of the road changes to Boulevard Griffoul Dorval and Port Saint Sauveur. Eventually, you will arrive at a crossroads w. traffic light next to a kind of small port with two bridges; here, get in the right lane.
    At the crossroads, take a sharp right turn into Avenue Jean Rieux. Drive down this road until you get to Rue de Limayrac (8th road on the left) and turn left into it; after 20m the road forks and you need to take the left road, which is Chemin de Lafilaire. At this point, you will start seeing signs for 'Temple Protestant'. After about 50-100m you will see the church on the right-hand side, a grey 1960s building set slightly back from the road and overlooking a 4-road crossroads.
 

    An alternative route, if you are coming from the north or east, is to leave the 'rocade' at exit 17 and follow signs for central Toulouse.  You will find yourself on the Avenue de Castres, which you drive uphill for a few kilometers.  As the road starts to flatten, turn left into Boulevard Deltour.  Then take the third road on your right, which is Chemin de Lafilaire. The Temple is on the left-hand side, overlooking a crossroads where four streets meet.
 

Parking is no problem -- you can leave your car along any of the pavements around the Temple.

For meetings at Mercués (near Cahors) contact:

Cynthia Cobban

Telephone: 05 63 94 18 52

e-mail: ewenandcynthia [at] wanadoo.fr

Current News and events

March 23 visit to Plum Village

There are 4 monasteries near Bergerac under the Vietnamese Zen master Thict Nhat Han. We have visited before on Thursdays which are mindfulness days and now we are arranging a visit on Easter Sunday. If you would like further information please contact Karina Spencer 05 65 21 53 65. Also see  http://villagedespruniers.net

11 September Armistice Day

Quercy Group are circulating white poppies to wear alongside red poppies and blue geraniums.which recognise the suffering and sacrifice of all those who have and are suffering in wars and recognising the need to work for peace and abolish wars. If you would like further information please contact Karina Spencer 05 65 21 53 65.See  http://www.whitepoppy.org.uk

Maison Quaker Congenies visit Early Summer

We are planning a weekend retreat to the newly refurbished maison Quaker to spend some time , adults and childrentogether and visit this lovely part of the country. Dates to be confirmed. Also see http://www.maison-quaker-congenies.org

Quaker Youth summer camp

the adolescents of Toulouse group will be going to York again this year to join a couple of hundred like minded youths to worship and play. See http://www.yfhs.org.uk

 (Back to index)