What does “witness in the world” mean to Quakers (Friends)?
From core beliefs, Quakers have been led to bear witness against war and acts of violence and for stewardship of the earth and fair sharing of world resources. We may be led to actions in favor of social justice, criminal justice reform, or other societal changes.
The Witness in the World Support Committee at Moorestown Friends Meeting helps members of our Quaker community to express their faith by active example.
As told in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice, since the days of George Fox, Friends have looked to “the light within” for spiritual guidance. From this, we are not meant to “conform to the ways of the world.” Instead, we seek to transform the world according to our leadings and a shared set of core values known as the Quaker testimonies.
MARCH 2025 CALL TO ACTION:
Stewardship of the Earth
Sustainable stewardship of the Earth is a Quaker testimony. According to Faith and Practice, “The well-being of the earth is a fundamental spiritual concern… How we treat the earth and its creatures is a basic part of our relationship with God. Our planet as a whole requires our responsible attention.”
What can we do to be better stewards of our beautiful planet?
Learn More – Check out these books on our Meeting Library to learn more about climate change or if you prefer your learning online find reliable information from the following source.
- Climate change is a complicated concept and understanding it can be challenging. Project Drawdown can help. Their international team of scientists have evaluated 93 technologies and practices that can dramatically reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and their research is clearly explained on the website.
Take Action
Join Allies and Friends – There is inspiration and strength in numbers. The following organizations offer information and opportunities to network.
- Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s EcoJustice Collaborative, a home for Friends acting on their leading in the intersection of racial, economic, and climate justice.
- 350.org is a movement of ordinary people working to build a world powered by clean, accessible and affordable renewable energy.
Lobby for Change with elected officials
- QAMAR (Quaker Action for the Mid-Atlantic region) offers Friendly advocacy on state and local policy concerns.
- FCNL (Friends Committee on National Legislation) advocates at the national level.
Become an Informed Voter
- The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters offers the information you need to choose the best candidates and policies on election day.
Join us at our Loving our Earth fair on Saturday, April 12 from 1 to 3 pm
Learn about composting, buy some native plants, discover easy alternatives to plastic, and enjoy kid-friendly environmental activities. Find out how to turn your backyard into a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat. Meet Friends from Rancocas Nature Center and PYM’s EcoJustice Collaborative.
View our previous 2025 Calls to Action including topics including how we can help Migrants.
View our previous 2024 Calls to Action including topics like the housing crisis, Black History Month, and Climate Change.
View our previous 2023 Calls to Action including topics like immigration at the border.
View our previous 2021-2022 Calls To Action including War in Ukraine, Gun Violence Prevention, Voter Rights, Native American Heritage, and Equalizing Economic Inequality
Climate Liaison News
Friends can subscribe to the Eco-Justice Newsletter
Contact Patricia Finley or Ruth Darlington, co-clerks of the Eco-Justice Collaborative.
Visit the Eco-Justice Collaborative website to learn more.
Some Good Climate News on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports
In December 2022 Moorestown Monthly Meeting approved a resolution opposing a project to transport Liquefied Natural gas (LNG) by truck and rail from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, to a proposed export terminal in Gibbstown, New Jersey. Our concern was both for the danger of transporting the highly flammable and toxic gas through New Jersey but also because the chosen routes would disproportionately impact minority and low-income communities. The resolution also expressed opposition to a project that would result in supporting reliance on fossil fuels given their profound impact on climate change. We sent copies of our resolution to both state and federal officials in January 2023.
Opposition to the Gibbstown plan has succeeded in delaying (but not yet canceling) this particular project and this year the Biden administration paused new LNG exports to allow the Department of Energy to reevaluate the impact of these projects on the public. You can learn more on the positive significance of this pause from the League of Conservation Voters here.
Who We Support
Moorestown Monthly Meeting provides a variety of support for the following organizations.
Click on each to learn more about their mission and how you may lend additional support.
Friends Enrichment Program (FEP) – scholarships/opportunities for Moorestown children
Alice Paul Institute – equality advocacy, leadership development, historic preservation
Alternatives to Violence – creative, affirming responses to conflict and violence
Camp Dark Waters – Quaker outdoor camp for boys and girls to serve and nurture them.
Center for Environmental Transformation – a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental transformation for the neighborhoods of Camden, New Jersey.
Doctors Without Borders – providing independent, impartial medical humanitarian assistance to the people who need it most.
Friends Journal – connecting and deepening spiritual lives
Good Samaritan Ministry – food pantry and additional support for Moorestown residents
Historical Society of Moorestown – dedicated to preserving the history of Moorestown, and to providing opportunities for the community to learn about the past and further understand and appreciate the history of Moorestown and the surrounding area.
Literacy, NJ – existing so all adults have the opportunity to read, write, and communicate effectively
MEND, Inc – safe, affordable housing for families and seniors in the Moorestown area
Oaks Integrated Care – support for NJ residents living with mental illness or addiction
Pendle Hill – support for Quakers seeking spiritual guidance in contemporary society
Perkins Center for the Arts (Moorestown, NJ) – promoting a full and creative life for all members of our communities
Rancocas Nature Center – environmental education and experience for all
St. Vincent de Paul Society – support for those in spiritual or financial need in Moorestown
Urban Promise – education and programs for children and young adults in Camden, NJ
Woolman Memorial – historical property honoring 18th-century abolitionist, John Woolman
Youth Promise Kenya – digital literacy and other programs for youth around Embu, Kenya
Submit a Request
If your Quaker faith moves you to engage with a cause or organization that might benefit from Meeting support, please contact us here.