Quakers believe in living life in the spirit of love, truth, and peace, answering “that of God” in every person. These beliefs spring from a sense of equality, compassion, and seeing and listening for the sacred in all life. Quaker testimonies are expressions of commitment to develop practices that give witness to these beliefs.
The testimonies arise out of a deep, inner conviction and often challenge our normal ways of living. They do not exist in any rigid, written form; nor are they imposed in any way. Quakers are free to search for the ways in which the testimonies can become expressed in their lives. “As Friends we commit ourselves to a way of worship which allows God to teach and transform us. We have found corporately that the Spirit, if rightly followed, will lead us into truth, unity and love: all our testimonies grow from this leading” (Britain Yearly Meeting).
During the twentieth century, a formula (SPICES) was developed to help explain testimonies to children and then to those experiencing Quaker community for the first time. This approach is helpful as a starting point for understanding Friends’ testimonies, but is not definitive. The American Friends Service Committee has developed an Introduction to Quaker Testimonies that may help you as you seek.
SIMPLICITY
Quaker simplicity is not asceticism or forbidding earthly pleasures, though it does mean rejecting indulgence. Friends are encouraged to look beyond the outward to the inward. Meetinghouses are simple; simple dress and speech are encouraged. Quakers constantly challenge the way they live and what their true needs are. They try to avoid a standard of living achieved at the expense of others or by defining their place in society by material possessions. In other words, Quakers strive to let that which is unnecessary fall away, so that that which is necessary in life can shine through.
PEACE
Perhaps the best-known Quaker testimony, this stems from the idea of moving beyond the need for violence. Friends seek lasting, sustainable peace to eliminate causes of violence such as poverty, exploitation, and intolerance. Peace is sought in daily interactions with family, community, and all persons. Quakers have traditionally been conscientious objectors to war, finding alternatives such as the Friends Ambulance Service in both World Wars. In 1947, Quaker service organizations in America and Britain were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
INTEGRITY
Since the time of the early Quakers, the expectation is that one’s actions and speech be consistent with their beliefs. If we do not practice what we believe, we deny ourselves and our faith. Truth and integrity are something that Quakers regard as fundamental guiding principles–not just in our own lives but also in public affairs. This testimony is involved in Quaker reluctance to take oaths, which would imply that only with the oath can truth be assured. The courts have recognized this distinction by allowing people to “affirm” rather than “swear” in testimony.
COMMUNITY
While Friends emphasize the importance of the individual’s reception of the Spirit, they also recognize the importance of a gathered community. Shared worship is a collective seeking. The community also provides opportunity for caring for each other. This testimony focuses on our mutual obligations and relationships. Quaker weddings are witnessed and endorsed by the members attending. Friends have historically exhibited this testimony in mental health and prison reform, social inclusion, fair trade, ethical investment, environmental health, and other concerns.
EQUALITY
That of God within everyone is an equalizing factor. Early Friends granted spiritual authority to women and refused to use forms of address that recognized social distinctions. While some Friends were slave-owners, Friends protested slavery as early as 1688. Many early women suffragists were Quaker, including Susan B. Anthony. Also, many Friends meetings, including Cannon Valley Friends Meeting, have recognized and continue to support marriage equality for same sex couples.
STEWARDSHIP: Care for the Earth
Quakers believe in creative responsibility towards the Earth that we have inherited. This testimony means seeing “that of God” in the natural world around us, and being moved by considerations other than commercial gain. To live with simplicity and integrity, we need to do a good job taking care of the things we own and use. This includes taking good care of the Earth. Quakers believe in trying to leave the world a better place after we have been here.
This introduction to Quaker Testimonies was adapted from the website of the Quaker United Nations Office (www.quno.org) and the AFSC booklet mentioned above.
Peacemaking Doesn’t Mean Passivity
Peacemaking is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice.
Peacemaking is the act of disarming evil without destroying the evildoer.
Peacemaking is the act of finding a third way that is neither fight nor flight but the careful arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice.
It is about a revolution of love that is big enough to set both the oppressed and the oppressors free.
(Adapted from Shane Claiborne: Common Prayer, A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals)
Cannon Valley Friends Meeting 