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.
JUNE 2026 CALL TO ACTION:
Action Alert: Fair Trade/De-Mining
The Fair Trade Cooperative at Moorestown Friends Meeting is an example of the Equal Exchange Initiative, a larger, global program whose farmers cultivate coffee beans for distribution in the US and to organic agriculture. The overall goal is to promote positive relations between farmers and consumers and to eliminate the middleman from the supply chain. Equal Exchange was first established in the United States in 1986. The farmers are located across the globe in West Africa, Central and South America. Further, Equal Exchange aims to build long-term partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound. The founders of Equal Exchange developed it as a worker-owned cooperative model. (Source: Equal Exchange Slide Show).
Woodstown Friends Meeting managed and expanded the Exchange Cooperative. About a year ago, Moorestown Meeting got involved with this project when Tim Crawford (Moorestown) connected with Priscilla Adams (Haddonfield Meeting) and Donna Gibson (Woodstown Meeting). Both Meetings have the goal of promoting climate action and sustainability. Proceeds from the purchases – including olive oil, dates, coffee and chocolate — go directly to the farmers. The Equal Exchange Cooperative has historically aimed to supplement the Small Farmers’ Fund. The Fund supported elements like the Crop Yield, Gender Equality for young women in third world countries with interest in becoming farmers, youth Involvement, and climate sustainability.
Another program at Meeting, Humanitarian Demining, was developed in concurrence with Equal Exchange. Demining is an outgrowth from a program developed by Schonstedt, a manufacturer of magnetic locators. Schonstedt is based in West Virginia and Chester County, PA. Schonstedt has partnered with the United Nations and the US State Department to distribute magnetic locators world-wide. These locators can detect landmines, cluster bombs, and unexploded ordnances. Landmines still exist in 64 nations. Schonstedt sells the detectors at a special price ($1,041) and distributes them to countries where humanitarian demining is most in need. Per conversation with Jack Mahon, when a Friends meeting purchases a mine detector, Schonstedt matches the donation unit for unit. Moorestown Meeting has stepped in and provided additional support for the Demining Initiative.
Humanitarian demining efforts occur globally, in places such as Ukraine, Syrian, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Sudan and Somalia. This is an ongoing collaboration with Woodstown Meeting. More information at woodstownfriends.org.
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.