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.
APRIL 2026 CALL TO ACTION:
Action Alert: Make Every Day Earth Day
Restoring our Earth is an enormous job but we can make a significant improvement with small daily changes in our behavior. The following ideas can help you get started. Don’t wait for April 22, start living more sustainably today.
REDUCE YOUR USE OF PLASTICS
Most plastics are made from fossil fuel. Plastic will not bio-degrade but it does break down into tiny microplastics that are now contaminating our food, our water and are even found in our bodies. Recycling plastic is good. Not using it is even better. If living with less plastics seems impossible, remember how New Jersey eliminated single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers? We all got used to bringing reusable bags. Most of us are now using reusable water bottles instead of buying single use plastic ones. Here are three more easy ways to eliminate plastic.
Reusable covers instead of plastic wrap. Check out these washable, cloth bowl covers for your leftovers in your refrigerator. You will never have to buy plastic wrap again.
Replace your laundry detergent bottles. Plant based laundry detergent sheets come in a small recyclable and biodegradable cardboard box. No more plastic bottles.
Replace your plastic shampoo bottles. Shampoo bars work as well as liquid shampoo and come packaged in a recyclable and biodegradable cardboard box. There are many brands to choose from.
EAT FOR A HEALTH PLANET
Eat more plant-based foods – You can easily reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your meat consumption since the production of meat requires far more water and natural resources than plant-based food. High quality protein can be found in beans, lentils, peas, nuts and seeds as well as tofu. You don’t have to go vegetarian but switching one or two meals a week to meatless is a healthy way to help the Earth.
Reduce your food waste – About 1/3 of all the food produced for human consumption gets wasted.Before they go bad, put those vegetables to good and delicious use in a stir-fry, salad, or add some oil and seasonings and roast them in a 400-degree oven, then puree them in a food processor with a little water and use as a pasta sauce. Ingredients that you opened to use just a little and have leftover can be frozen for later use. And when food is truly no longer usable compost it!
LEARN MORE
Check out The Nature Conservancy and Natural Resources Defense Council for valuable information and needed inspiration and if you can support their efforts.
View our previous 2026 Calls to Action including topics like how we can help prevent Human Trafficking, Wage Nonviolence and Discerning FCNL Legislative Priorities for the 120th Congress.
View our previous 2025 Calls to Action including topics like how we can be good stewards of the Earth, learn about and stay informed about Israel and Gaza, support LGBTQIA+ communities, and 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.