Cropwell Meeting held an introductory program on the Quaker peace testimony on Sunday afternoon. Geared toward newcomers, presenter Martin Kelley gave a 25 minute overview of the history of Quaker peacemaking, from the foundational 1660 Statement to more recent expressions of Quaker peacemaking, such as the climate-change advocacy of the Earth Quaker Action Team and the “Statement on the Peace Testimony and Ukraine” release in late October.
About a dozen participants stayed afterwards for a robust discussion, during which they shared concerns but also stories of inspirational peacemakers they have known. Informal discussions continued at the potluck meal that followed.
Cropwell Friends planned this program after identifying the peace testimony as a stumbling block for some of its new attenders. In particular, some have expressed personal doubts about the Quaker peace testimony in the face of the brutality of the war in Ukraine. The program was designed to give a clearer understanding of the theological and historical roots of Quaker peacemaking and to share how Friends have responded to difficult moral dilemmas in the past.
Banner photo: 1930s-era leaflet from the American Friends Service Committee used to solicit support for refugee support work during the Spanish Civil War. Learn more.