Quaker Values

There is that of God in everyone

This was George Fox’s (1624-1691) fundamental insight from which everything else derives. According to Fox, there was no need for an official religious intercessor (priest, pastor, elder) to mediate between God and us. We are encouraged to listen to that of God within us, share what we "hear," and act upon this personal experience. Early Quakers were driven by this insight, and proclaimed it widely. For them, this represented a return to the ideals of early Christianity.

The notion that there is that of God in everyone is fundamental to Quakerism still, though it is often expressed differently. “God” is a difficult characterization for some, and expressions such as "the inner Light," or the force for good within everyone, are often used instead.

Let your life speak

Early Quakers felt that the way we live in the world should reflect our convictions; that our comportment should bear witness to our faith. Early Quakers suffered greatly in their attempts to live uncompromisingly in this way. As Quakers committed to living our faith mindfully and steadfastly, we have developed some profound guiding principles known as testimonies, which inspire us still.

Quaker Testimonies

When simply put, Quaker testimonies may be characterized in this way: - There is that of God in every person - Truth is available to everyone - Truth is continually being revealed - Love is a transforming power

Another way the testimonies are characterized is with the acronym “SPICES” - standing for Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. Many non-Quakers also embrace some or all of these values, though they might describe them differently. As seekers, Quakers do not hold to these guiding principles as dogma, but as living guides whose full value and meaning are in a state of constant revelation.

Simplicity

An early Quaker, John Woolman (1720-1772), is known for a now often-repeated adage: “live simply, that others may simply live.” Early Quakers felt they should live simply, tending to basic needs and avoiding luxuries. They were aware of the poverty around them, and that resources needed to be shared. For Quakers of greater means, simplicity of lifestyle may be difficult; this testimony can be a true challenge.

Peace and Nonviolence

George Fox (1624-1691) and other early Quakers believed that since all people in any situation of conflict have that of God in them, it followed that war could not be appropriate, and joining the military was unacceptable. From this conviction came the concept and practice of conscientious objection.

Most conflicts, however, do not escalate to war…pursuit of peaceful approaches to conflict resolution in our personal lives and in the wider world is seen as a constant obligation. Many people recognize the power of this testimony as evidenced in the Nobel Peace Prize bestowed upon the American Friends Service Committee for providing bipartisan aid during World War II.

Integrity and Truth

Quakers have always been clear that honesty in all dealings is fundamental. Early Quaker artisans and shopkeepers acquired a reputation for their honest business practices. Their integrity was a key factor in their great success in business and banking in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Another manifestation of this testimony is often called “speaking truth to power.” Quakers are exhorted not to stand by, but to speak out about injustices they see.

Community

Quakers commit themselves to responding to the needs of others, and to the flourishing of local and global communities in all their diversity. Quakers regularly undertake relief programs in times of famine, disaster and conflict. Seeking justice for refugees and asylum seekers are other arenas in which Quakers bear witness to the testimony of community.

Equality

Also following from the principle that there is that of God in everyone is the notion that all people must be treated and cared for equally regardless of gender, ability, race, socio-economic status, sexuality and any number of other identifying characteristics for which people may be privileged or disadvantaged.

Quakers, including Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845), have been deeply involved in prison reform, criminal justice, and restorative justice. From earliest days Quakers supported the equal education of women and the equal participation of women in the life of the meeting. American John Woolman (1720-1772) was an early and influential Quaker who inspired Friends to play leading roles in the antislavery movement.

Stewardship

Allied with the concept of community is the testimony on stewardship. In recent times the focus within this testimony has evolved to encompass environmental concerns. Strands of it are clearly implicit in the testimonies listed above. A global consultation is underway about how Friends may best respond to the urgency of environmental crises, and whether Quakers have something distinctive they can say.

Adapted from www.quakerisintheworld.org.