“The duty of the Society of Friends is to be the voice of the oppressed but [also] to be conscious that we ourselves are part of that oppression. Uncomfortably we stand with one foot in the kingdom of this world and with the other in the Eternal Kingdom. Seldom can we keep the inward and outward working of love in balance, let alone the consciousness of living both in time and in eternity, in timelessness.”
“In every way and in every place, we must work to eliminate the scourge of hate that leads to violence and promote the bonds of love that establish justice and that lead to peace. To realize this, we must also hold people accountable for violating laws and hold lawmakers accountable for perpetuating lies […]”
Cursed Quaker, repent and drive the Devil from this Land. / Thus Minister Wilson cajoled Mary Dyer at the scaffold. / She preached the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Do you wish the elders to pray for you? / She said I desire the prayers of all God’s people. / Cursed Quaker, repent and drive the Devil from this Land.
I see sorrow and trouble in this land / Although there will be struggle, we’ll make the change we can / If not now, if not now, tell me when
This month examines how Friends throughout history have stood up to authority and worked for justice. Quakers speak truth to power when we advocate for what is right despite opposition from kings, presidents, and institutions. We also investigate how Friends maintain their integrity when they are the ones in power.
“George Lakey was arrested during a 2013 demonstration in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT). EQAT was opposed to PNC Bank’s financing of mountaintop removal coal mining. After a five-year campaign, they were successful in getting PNC to change their investment policy.”
“The word ‘testimony’ is used by Quakers to describe a witness to the living truth within the human heart as it is acted out in everyday life. It is not a form of words, but a mode of life based on the realisation that there is that of God in everybody, that all human beings are equal, that all life is interconnected. It is affirmative but may lead to action that runs counter to certain practices currently accepted in society at large.”
“For conscience’s sake to God, we are bound by his just law in our hearts to yield obedience to [authority] in all matters and cases actively or passively; that is to say, in all just and good commands of the king and the good laws of the land relating to our outward man, we must be obedient by doing … but … if anything be commanded of us by the present authority, which is not according to equity, justice and a good conscience towards God … we must in such cases obey God only and deny active obedience for conscience’s sake, and patiently suffer what is inflicted upon us for such our disobedience to men.”
“Quakers have always believed it was necessary to speak truth to power. Our concern is to reach all men, the great and the humble, and though power in America ultimately rests with the humble, the great wield it, and must, therefore, carry peculiar responsibility.”
“Remember your responsibility as citizens for the government of your town and country, and do not shirk the effort and time this may demand. Do not be content to accept things as they are, but keep an alert and questioning mind. Seek to discover the causes of social unrest, injustice and fear; try to discern the new growing-points in social and economic life. Work for an order of society which will allow men and women to develop their capacities and will foster their desire to serve.”
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