Peace and Non-violence

 

Peace Activism & Alternatives to Violence

Working for peace in Aotearoa and in the world is a vital part of Quaker activity. It arises from a recognition of the value of every person. You can read about our Peace Testimony here.

Aotearoa New Zealand Friends in 1986/7 adopted a statement that outlines Quaker views on the imperative need for disarmament, an unequivocal opposition to all wars and violence, and a commitment towards the building of a peaceful world.   Read the full Peace Statement here.

Many Quaker Meetings host public discussions on peace issues, create or join local peace groups, and organise peace vigils on Anzac, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Armistice Days. Some meetings hold monthly peace vigils to witness to the longing we all have for peace, and to commemorate the losses of both combatants and non-combatants in war. Several Meetings have been involved in opposing weapons expos.

At a national level, we support financially and in other ways the work of Peace Movement Aotearoa. This includes their many campaigns: opposing militarism, military spending, killer robots, and cluster bombs, and supporting international nuclear disarmament. We also make an annual donation to The National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Otago University.

Some Friends are active in the Alternatives to Violence Project, a training programme enabling participants to deal with potentially violent situations in new and creative ways. The Project’s focus is to make AVP workshops available nationally, where participants may learn conflict resolution and other skills to enhance daily living and relationships.

QPSANZ - Quaker Peace and Service Aotearoa New Zealand provides funding for Quaker and non-Quaker local peace initiatives. It administers a major award for an annual recipient to undertake a study programme or project, in New Zealand or abroad, which promotes understanding of peace, justice and environmental issues. It also provides funding for aid and development projects with overseas partners. 

You can contact QPSANZ here: clerk@qpsanz.quakers.nz 

Quakers and the Nobel Peace Prize

In 1947 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded “to the Quakers, represented by their two great relief organizations, the Friends Service Council in London and the American Friends Service Committee in Philadelphia.” The Religious Society of Friends as a group had first been nominated for the prize as early as 1912, just eleven years after the award was founded. It was nominated again in 1923, 1924 and 1936. On each occasion the nominations were influenced by Quaker relief work with the victims of war and famine.

Quaker Pacifism

From QuakerSpeak, two Quakers' views on pacifism and activism

Why are Quakers PacifistsHow Spirituality makes Activism More Effective