Seekers have often been attracted to Quakers because of the Peace Testimony. The enthusiasm with which Friends follow their leadings to “speak truth to power” in the pursuit of peace has garnered the admiration of many. But it is later that attenders and others realize that peace activism is again an external manifestation of an internal conviction, often expressed in terms of “that of God in everyone.”

We are called as peacemakers to deal with the violence and aggression within ourselves, and in doing so, to find ways of living in harmony with our neighbors. A simple life style is useful in this connection, since the pursuit of excessive material wealth or power may entail exploitation of others. As John Woolman urged, “May we look upon our treasures, the furniture of our houses and our garments and try whether the seeds of war have nourishment in these our possessions.” Friends are focused as well on the need to go inward, and to find peace within, in preparation for bringing that peace, that harmony, to others.

History has shown that when a future outcome, however noble, seems of greater worth than the human being before us, any means, any atrocity, is possible. To work for peace without being divisive, we need to work within a place of faith, truly trusting in the movement of the spirit.

Peace is the state in which we are in accord with God, ourselves, others, and the earth. We know that true lasting peace among us flows from unity in the life of the spirit.