The
Quaker Testimonies
The Quakers in Aotearoa formulate
the testimonies in a concise and in my opinion accurate way capturing the
essence of the testimonies. I have copied and pasted the testimonies here
below. I have copied them without changing anything because I feel I can’t
improve them. Here goes:
Peace
The Quaker peace
testimony arises from the belief of "that of God in everyone". Early
Quakers recognised that they must seek to bring about God's will without the
use of force or violence - a person labelled as "enemy" is equally
precious to God. Quakers have refused to take part in war or preparations for
war; we resist the culture of military values and the social and economic
distortions which militarism causes. In a broader sense, the peace testimony
includes action against unjust structures of society, racism, the denial of
human rights, and other forms of oppression, which are themselves forms of
violence. On the positive side, Quakers have acted to end slavery, to relieve
the suffering caused by war and oppression, to mediate between parties in conflict,
and to promote worldwide economic and cultural development on a basis of
self-determination and dignity. A full testimony to peace includes a harmonious
relationship with the many life-forms and diverse riches of our planet, and a
commitment to live as part of Earth's systems, not as their proprietors.
Responsible living means choosing not to waste, exploit or destroy. We
encourage a reverence for life and a sense of the splendour of God's continuing
creation. You can read the Yearly Meeting
Peace Statement.
Equality
Each person has value
and dignity, and is precious to God. On this basis Quakers work for equality in
all areas of social, cultural, legal, political and economic life, rejecting
artificial distinctions of race and social status. We try to treat all people
on a basis of equality; we prefer to address people by their names without
titles.
Quakers recognise that
ministry can come from any person - God may choose anyone at any time. Decisions
of the Society are made at business meetings open to all members. Quakers have
always recognised the ministry and service of both women and men.
Simplicity
A life centred in God
will be characterised by integrity, sincerity and simplicity. Simplicity does
not consist in following a strict formula, but in basing our choice of
purchases, activities and lifestyles on moderation rather than extravagance.
Moderate living avoids over-indulgence and slavery to fashion; it requires a
responsible attitude to alcohol and drugs of any kind.
Children and young
people are under particular pressure to acquire, consume and do what is
fashionable or aggressively advertised. Adults can help children to develop
inner strength by their own example, and by working out together what is right
and possible, given the family's circumstances.
Simplicity has its own
beauty. It does not exclude artistic creativity, which is a deep human need,
and can be an expression of the divine. Quakers look for an inner stillness in
worship and in personal spiritual life, and a simplicity which lets go of
inessential commitments in order to be truly centred.
Integrity
Quakers aim to be honest
and straightforward in speech and in all our dealings. We try to honour our
financial responsibilities, as family members and as citizens. Quakers try to
ensure that their own lives are clear of any practice to which they propose to
object.
The longstanding
testimony against oaths is based on honesty - we reject the implication of a
double standard of truthfulness. On any occasion where an oath is expected, all
citizens as well as Quakers are entitled to make a legally acceptable
affirmation.
Quakers have a
responsibility of stewardship over our possessions. Historically, Quakers have
avoided gambling, on the principle that money should be acquired through honest
work. Today, we continue to frown on gambling, and raising money by games of
chance, in view of the adverse social consequences.
Source:
http://quaker.org.nz/quaker-testimonies
