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
Submit Request

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.

JUNE 2025 CALL TO ACTION:
Action Alert on

Although LGBTQ+ rights do not have a political party, they are often politicized. If you’re sensitive to reading about politicized LGBTQ+ discrimination, avoid reading this action alert.

Learn About the History of LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections in the U.S.

Learn About Recent Changes to LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections in the U.S.

  • Visit the ACLU website to learn about how the Trump administration is erasing LGBTQ+ freedoms by rolling back protections, mandating discrimination, and weaponizing federal laws against transgender people.
  • Visit the PBS News website to learn about how President Donald Trump’s executive orders are targeting transgender people.
  • Visit the Pew Research Center website to learn about how LGBTQ+ people feel about the impact of the Trump administration on their rights.

Stay Up-to-Date on LGBTQ+ News

  • Visit the GLAAD website to read a current list of attacks from the Trump administration on LGBTQ+ freedoms in chronological order starting 01/20/2025.
  • Visit the ACLU website to view a U.S. map that tracks anti-LGBTQ+ bills by state.
  • Visit the Loyola University Chicago website for their list of the most prolific LGBTQ+ organizations and news outlets to help keep you current on LGBTQ+ issues.
  • Visit the Strong Family Alliance website to get an overview on how to stay informed and navigate LGBTQ+ issues on the news and social media without getting stressed.

Know the Rights of LGBTQ+ People in the U.S.

  • Visit the ACLU website to learn about the protected rights of LGBTQ+ people.

TAKE ACTION NOW – Stand Up for Your Rights or Help Others Stand Up for Their Rights

  • If you or someone you know has been discriminated against based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or HIV status, contact the ACLU, they want to hear from you.
  • Contact Lambda Legal for general legal information and resources relating to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and HIV status.
  • Donate to non-profit organizations that support LGBTQ+ people through community outreach and support, scholarships, free legal help, and/or fighting for LGBTQ+ rights at the local, state, and federal levels.
    Note: Research LGBTQ+ organizations before donating. LGBTQ+ organizations that are top heavy, throw extravagant parties, have a history of discrimination (sexism, racism, transphobia), and/or have not done anything impactful, may not be the best organizations to donate to.
  • Do a Google search to look for LGBTQ+ Pride events or demonstrations to participate in.
  • Visit the Center for American Progress website to learn about and support the American Equality Act.

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

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.