In the latest challenge to what many see as unfair marriage laws, a straight couple are attempting to register for a civil partnership. They say that a choice of marriage or civil partnership should be open to all couples, regardless of sexuality.

Simplicity is perhaps best understood as appropriate living, says Jill Segger. It is about owning and using only what is necessary and not being seduced by that which is dangled before us by advertisers and arbiters of style.

To follow in the way of Jesus should make rank and status irrelevant, says Jill Segger, in the second of a series on Quaker values. Our equal value and dignity before God can re-shape our relationships with each other.

It has been well said that peace is not the absence of noise, trouble or hard work – rather it is to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart, says Jill Segger in the first of a series on the Quaker Testimonies.

Britain's national Quaker Week has got underway. This is the Quakers' first major outreach event since they hit the headlines by deciding to carry out same-sex marriages on the same basis as opposite-sex ones.

Britain's Quakers are hosting a major conference this week to explore radical approaches to economics in the light of both the recession and the dangers of climate change. They will focus on the idea of a “zero-growth economy”.

The Quakers have become the first major denomination in Britain to endorse same-sex marriage, putting themselves in conflict with the law. Their example is an inspiration to people in other denominations struggling for equality.

Emotions ran high in York this morning as Quakers agreed to carry out same-sex marriages on the same basis as marriages for opposite-sex couples. The decision came after an intense week of debate and reflection at British Quakers' Yearly Meeting.

Britain's Quakers appear to be on the brink of a decision to put same-sex and heterosexual marriage on an equal footing. This morning will see the final stage of their discussions on the issue at their Yearly Meeting in York.