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.
MAY 2024 CALL TO ACTION: WE SEEK AN EARTH TO BE RESTORED
Action Alert: Gun Violence: Impact on Society, Proactive Policies for the Future
Gun Violence Facts:
- FACT: Guns account for the leading cause of death for children/adolescents in US.
- FACT: In 2020, gun-related deaths exceeded motor vehicle accidents as the top cause of death for those under 19 years old.
- FACT: In 2023, 42,967 people died from gun violence related injuries. In 2023, there were a total of 656 mass shootings in the US.
- FACT: Although mass shootings are more publicized, they are not the primary source of gun violence. Most common acts of gun violence consist of suicides, household and community shootings.
Did you know that mental illness is not always a Predictor of Gun Violence?
- Mental Illness: Often stigmatized as the cause of gun violence. A small number of mass shooters experience mental illness.
- FACT: 95-97% of homicidal gun violence is not carried out by individuals with mental illness. FACT: Fire-arm deaths committed by those with mental illness are almost always suicides. 85% of suicide attempts with firearms resulted in death.
- Gun Violence impacts the Health and Wellness of Individuals and Families:
- Increases in disorders, including substance use and psychiatric disorders, for those families who have suffered from gun related violence
What Has the Federal Government Done About Gun Violence?
President Biden signed Bi-Partisan Safer Communities Act on June 25, 2022 What The Act Does: Expanded background checks – requires federal criminal background check for gun buyers under the age of 21. Incentives to States with Red Flag Laws: provides for federal aid to states which create red flag laws that allow authorities to obtain court orders to temporarily remove guns from those deemed dangerous by a judge. School Safety: Federal aid for mental health support in schools including crisis services, violence prevention program, and mental health worker training.
What Can Be Done at State Level: Policies to Protect Everyone’s Rights?
Enact Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO’s) – States can enact legislation that temporarily restricts access to fund for individuals at elevated risk to harm self and others. 13 States currently have enacted legislation to create Extreme Protection Orders. Provide public education on the importance of safe gun storage in the home. Assure that firearms have gun locks. Provide training to gun shop owners and shooting range employees to identify at risk persons whose only interest is to obtain a gun to die by suicide.
TAKE ACTION
What Can You Do at the Local Level?
Sign onto Take Action: Everytown for Gun Safety: http://www.everytown.org/actions/
Click on the link and Tell Congress : Reinstate The Assault Weapons Ban Now.
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.
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.
Friends Journal – connecting and deepening spiritual lives
Good Samaritan Ministry – food pantry and additional support for Moorestown residents
Woolman Memorial – historical property honoring 18th-century abolitionist, John Woolman
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
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
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.