Who are the “Quakers”?
The Religious Society of Friends, also called Quakers, emerged as a Christian denomination in England in the 1600’s. Quakers are possibly best known for their “Peace Testimony” – their belief in nonviolence and their opposition to war. For hundreds of years, Quakers have spoken out in support of legislation and good government practices that embody the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, equality, community and integrity. Read more.
One of the deeply held beliefs of Friends (Quakers) is that there is inherent worth in every human being. Peace, therefore, is not just the absence of war, but requires a just society that recognizes this inherent worth. Friends actively engage in the politics of their society to bring a voice of conscience – there is no separation between beliefs and deeds. Friends were among the founders of many prominent social justice organizations, including Greenpeace, American Friends Service Committee, and Amnesty International, and served as leaders in the abolitionist, women’s rights and civil rights movements.
How is Quaker Voice connected to the Quakers?
Quaker Voice’s founders were Friends who believed that a voice of conscience, based on Quaker testimonies, was urgently needed in Washington State’s capital. Quaker Voice is governed by a Board of Directors composed of Friends from many Quaker Meetings in Washington. Our lobbying and positions are based on the values contained in the Quaker testimonies. We warmly welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us in our work.
Quakers also have a legislative advocacy organization at national level, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, which welcomes volunteers to join the lobbying effort. Quaker Voice on Washington Public Policy is also active in QSLAN — the Quaker State-level Legislative Action Network.
I attend a Quaker Meeting; how can I get more involved?
That’s great! A first step would be to sign up to receive our alerts. You can also send us email directly.
I want to try worshipping with Quakers. Where can I find them?
Go to QuakerFinder, which also describes Quakers’ distinctive form of worship.