Testimony of Peace
Quakers are pacifists. We believe that no good comes from war. We have a book within the Society called Quaker Faith & Practice: Advices and Queries. It contains much advice for everyday life and stimulates queries of the reader. It contains many quotations from past and famous Quakers. One was George Fox who lived in the late seventeenth century and is attributed with founding Quakerism. He said "We are called to live in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars".

Quakers have always had a strong awareness of these words and many are involved in peace work around the world. We are represented at the United Nations Organisation and similar institutions. Quaker peace work throughout the last three centuries has been recognised for its steadfastness and sincerity.

Testimony of Equality
We believe that all are created equal in the sight of God. This sense of equality tempers the natural inclination to judge others, sometimes harshly. Compassion can come to the fore when judgement is suspended and in so doing many activities are undertaken. Prison Reform (Elizabeth Fry in the early nineteenth century being one famous example)  Abolition of Slavery (William Wilberforce) and modern day activities to alleviate homelessness and the abuse of the less well privileged are great Quaker concerns.

Testimony of Simplicity
We try to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. We try not to be persuaded into buying what we do not need or cannot afford. We try and keep ourselves informed about the effects our style of living is having on the global economy and environment.

We do not own the world, and its riches are not ours to dispose of at will. We show a loving consideration for all creatures, and seek to maintain the beauty and variety of the world. Many Quakers work to ensure that our increasing power over nature is used responsibly, with reverence for life, and we rejoice in the splendour of creation.

Testimony of Honesty and Integrity
Quakers have a reputation spreading back three hundred and fifty years for being honest and truthful. We are encouraged in all we say and do to maintain strict integrity in business transactions and in our dealings with individuals and organisations. We try  to use money and information entrusted to us with discretion and responsibility.

We do not take oaths because it implies a double standard of truth. In choosing to affirm instead, we are aware of the claim to integrity that we are making.