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 2024 CALL TO ACTION: WE SEEK AN EARTH TO BE RESTORED
On April 22 we will again celebrate Earth Day as we have for over fifty years. As Climate disruption becomes increasing urgent, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting has responded.
In March 2021 PYM approved Addressing Climate Change as a corporate witness. “A yearly meeting-wide witness is unique in that:
- There is an expectation that every friend, every household, every meeting, and the yearly meeting as a whole will each discern for themselves how they can respond to this call.
- It is the experience that our entire community and each of its members is asked to respond to God’s call, whether or not we experience the call as individuals.”*
Learn More
*Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Creating a Playbook for Climate Action: How to address climate change for individuals, households and meetings. Download a copy of the Climate Action Playbook here.
Take Action
Support a Green Amendment in New Jersey: A Green Amendment would guarantee NJ citizens the right to clean air, clean water, a healthier environment, and a stable climate. All government officials would be held accountable for protecting those rights by virtue of pledging to uphold the State Constitution. To learn more, watch a video of a recent educational webinar hosted by the League of Women Voters Camden County here.
You can support getting a Green Amendment on the ballot in New Jersey by sending a League of Women Voters email to your legislators here.
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.
LATEST CLIMATE NEWS
LNG TRANSPORT OPPOSITION NEWS
UPDATE: Rail plan denied by state, but Federal Law that allows transport of LNG by rail remains a threat to the local area.
Read More About It Below…
Philadelphia Inquirer OpEd on 2/16/23 entitled: “The Ohio Train Disaster Could Happen In Philadelphia and South Jersey”
Read PYM January 2023 EJC bulletin for latest updates and actions opposing LNG export
PYM December EJC monthly bulletin explains why several NJ Meetings are taking action to stop a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) export project in Gibbstown, NJ. The article also highlights the following resources: an interactive map or proposed truck routes and impacted communities, a fact sheet from Food and Water Watch (FWW), and talking points to start a conversation about the project.
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.