Witness

witness in the world
..to witness to our faith through outward action in the wider world.

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.

Call to Action
Who We Support
Climate News
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Support for Minneapolis Food Pantires

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.

FEBRUARY 2026 CALL TO ACTION:
Action Alert: Waging Nonviolence

  • Concerned about how the US is slipping into authoritarianism? 

As Quakers, our peace testimony includes nonviolence:

“Our historic peace testimony is a living testimony, as we work to give concrete expression to our ideals, often in opposition to prevailing opinion. We recognize that the peace testimony requires us to honor that of God in every person………” https://www.pym.org/quakerism/quaker-testimonies.

  • How have Quakers expressed their opposition? And how do they resist while avoiding physical violence?

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s and the Vietnam War, non-violent protests were used effectively by Quakers who became peace activists, often putting themselves in harm’s way. MLK used the words “militant nonviolence”.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BDZZqkz092A

Nowadays anti-democratic threats have resulted in massive street protests, acts of non-compliance, lawsuits, rallies, boycotts, heckling of and non-cooperation with ICE in cities.

  • Did you know that Waging Nonviolence.org was founded in 2009 by Bryan Farrell and Eric Stoner and that it contains a Global Nonviolent Action Database? Our own George Lakey, a Quaker sociology professor, added the concept of nonviolent revolution.

Take Action Now

Related Reading

View our previous 2026 Calls to Action including topics like how we can help prevent Human Trafficking.

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

The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) is committed to a corporate witness on climate change. Their Eco-Justice Collaborative (EJC) issues monthly bulletins with time-sensitive information and resources to help in their ongoing work witnessing for social and climate justice. 

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.