In consensus, it must be noted that what Friends strive to achieve is unity, not uniformity. As Friends have a wide divergence of views on many issues, it is clear that such unity is not the product of like-mindedness.

The unity Friends seek and hope to capture in a minute is God's will in relation to the matter under consideration as grasped by a corporate guidance of the whole meeting. It is not unanimity of thought or judgment that is sought but rather a group endeavor to find the leading of the Spirit of Christ. While rational arguments may be presented to sway the final deci- sion, they will not be the basis of decision.

In the context of worship, if one believes that in some way the Spirit of God is being liberated in a meeting, one will be alert to find the Truth even in a previously unacceptable point of view. Frequently, by a process of cross-fertilization, an entirely new solution may arise which incorporates both the majority and minority points of view and which is new thought to both. Each and all can then say, "That is what I really wanted, but did not realize it."

Assent to a minute, however, does not necessarily imply uniformity of judgment. Rather it is recognition that the minute records what the group feels is right at this time. There may be Friends who would wish the meeting to move forward more adventurously and others who fear what seems dangerous experiment. Each might have wished the meeting to take a different course from that agreed upon. But each will consider what is right for this meeting with these differences of judgment sincerely held and will give assent to a minute which seems to reflect the sense of the meeting even if not wholly acceptable to oneself.