Witnessing for Peace in a Military Town

“We are two Quaker women who raised our families in towns dominated by the U.S. military. Rather than shun the military and look away, we have lived our witness amidst strong military presences. […] The military has certainly created plenty of occasions for us to talk about our testimonies and our practices in the face of headwinds. Both of us have found that our situations have actually helped strengthen our faith, since we often have to live our witness when sustained by faith alone.

Lucretia feared she would lose her passion for social activism when she moved to Great Falls, [MT,] but she found that she needed it more than ever. Previously, peace activism in Great Falls had been spurred on by outsiders, mostly from Missoula, protesting nuclear missiles at Malmstrom Air Base. Once [Lucretia helped to establish] the Great Falls Worship Group, Friends were able to help plan such events. They organized a weekly silent vigil against the Iraq War, which continued for seven years. For the first time, pacifism became a local issue in Great Falls. Lucretia was employed by the school district, and some people complained about her, but she kept her position.

Colorado Springs [where Molly lives] has a long tradition of peace activism. The city has a Justice and Peace Commission, which has bannered, marched, held vigils, and hosted rallies since the 1970s. Quakers have been regular participants in these activities, even if not central in the planning. Molly has served as a peacekeeper at such events, and her pacifism has never threatened her livelihood.

Both of us have friends and acquaintances who tell us they are glad we live in our military towns with our public witness. Some join us, others applaud us, but many others simply avoid the topic. It is an act of faith to live each day with integrity and love, even when we are distinctly the minority.“

— Lucretia Humphrey, 2022
Former Clerk of North Pacific Yearly Meeting

Molly Wingate
Former Clerk of Intermountain Yearly Meeting