Quaker Work in the World

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Introduction

General knowledge of history links Quakers with work on tolerance and respect for all (William Penn), penal reform (Elizabeth Fry), in developing ethical business practices (Richard and George Cadbury), and war relief and reconciliation (Nobel Peace Prize 1947).

Quakers are at work on these causes today...

Human Rights

We have lawyers, researchers and go-betweens, working at inter-governmental level on improving human rights. We are campaigning to raise the minimum age at which young people are allowed to serve in the armed forces. We have made progress on this both at the United Nations in Geneva and by working with national governments. Amongst other issues we are working on world trade agreements to limit multinationals from patenting for profit plant and other material which should be a free public resource.

Criminal Justice

We work on campaigns to promote alternatives to expensive and un-productive prison sentences. Britain has one of the highest proportions of its citizens in jail of anywhere in the world as well as a high re-offending rate. Many Quakers work professionally in the social work, police, prison and court systems. We know from our own experiences the value of making spaces for forgiveness and reparation. We are prompting and developing sensible alternatives.

Fair Trade and Business Ethics

We work for economic justice. The struggle for economic survival is often an underlying factor when violent conflicts break out. We are involved in ethical investment projects, in monitoring multi-nationals and in promoting truth and integrity in public affairs.

Peace and Reconciliation

Quakers work particularly in rebuilding civil society after wars. Major current programmes operate in the Balkans, Middle East, Southern and East Africa. The work is helping people by providing community development, advocacy and other training. In Europe we campaign against the arms trade and against preparations for war. In Britain we develop and promote peace education and training in conflict resolution skills.

Notes

Quaker activity for change in the world arises from their practice of religious worship in five hundred groups around Britain. Quakers worship by sitting quietly together, waiting for divine inspiration which any one of them may be led to give voice to.
This page is taken from a leaflet published by Quaker Work, Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM).
For more specific details on current work please see the BYM Peace and Social Justice Index

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