‘They shall beat their swords into plowshares…’

Our commitment to peace is deep-rooted and integral to who we are as Quakers.

It has earned us the trust of the highest echelons of state and the poorest victims of conflict, of diverse creeds and nations, allowing us access to where we can do most good.

Because of our commitment to peace, we have been derided as traitors and respected as humanitarian activists.

Our commitment to peace is controversial; at times we have stood alone and at times we have been part of mass-movements.

This testimony to peace is enduring.

And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. (KJV Isaiah 2:4)

[Image courtesy of John Turnbull, the Peace Vigil in Reading Town Centre].