Tower and Town, August 2024 (view the full edition)Quaker Peace TestimonyQuakers are perhaps best known for our peace testimony. It comes from our belief that there is that of God in everyone, love is at the centre of existence, and all human life is of equal worth. Yet we live in a world in which most of the news we get is of wars, destruction, and suffering caused by human actions. Aggression seems deeply rooted and an almost instinctive response to any perceived threat. Our peace testimony bids us to renounce violence and work actively for peace. The 17th century founders of Quakerism were spiritually inspired and nurtured by what they learnt from the bible and what they experienced in their lives as the light or spirit of love and truth. Christian teaching and experience were the guiding light of their lives in which peace in oneself and in the community was to be achieved without violence and with the grace of God. For me as a Quaker today, the peace testimony means living a life in which I truly believe there is a non-violent solution to any confrontation, and putting that belief into practice. We are all capable of thoughtlessness, unkindness, greed and even violence at times, and we need to be wary of the hurt we can cause others and the damage to the world we live in if we do not keep such human tendencies in check. In my experience, a sense of peace in myself is the best way to prevent negative tendencies surfacing and taking over my thoughts and actions. Quaker meetings for worship are my mainstay for a sense of connection to the light and personal peace. That sense of deep connection to the spirit is strengthened by my worshipping community. Inspiration and connection with the divine are also found in the teachings of other prophets and spiritual leaders, and everyday contacts with family, friends and nature - when I am open to them. All Quakers are well supported in our concerns and efforts for peace by Quaker organisations at all levels, from Local Meetings, national representation and up to United Nations via the Quaker United Nations Office. Each one of us can contribute to peace work according to our individual skills and abilities. Many are activists (demonstrating at arms fairs and climate crisis events) some publish books and leaflets, some teach non-violent reconciliation in schools and workshops. Many offer prayerful support, which is much appreciated by those busy with activism. The main Quaker organisation which coordinates peace work for Quakers in Britain is Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW). When war rages on in several parts of the world, and we feel helpless and hopeless, even doubting the good of our prayers, we hold on to our faith and the peace testimony. Like the five wise virgins in Matthew 25: 1-4, we keep working at and being prepared for peaceful resolutions until the time comes for an opening for the way forward. June Buphery |