Quaker Testimonies 

 
Our testimonies are the way we live what we believe. Quakers believe that God wants us to live as good people. Quakers try to do this in many ways, but the six most important ones are described by some people as the SPICES.

SIMPLICITY
Use financial and natural resources carefully. Keep life simple so we are free to live in harmony and alignment with soul’s purpose.  Service learning is a priority.

PEACE
Build conflict resolution skills. Foster effective communication and alternatives to violence. See conflict as a springboard to moral growth. Seek elegant, simple solutions to problems or disagreements. Encourage creative problem-solving. Make decisions by consensus or the “sense of the meeting.”

INTEGRITY
Let your life speak: your outer life reflects your inner life. Nurture the inner moral compass and cultivate inner motivation in everyone.  Treat others with respect and honesty. Acknowledge interconnectedness and essential oneness.

COMMUNITY
Connect with all members of the community. Bridge differences and create a close, working group. Be our authentic selves. Create a safe, nurturing atmosphere in which all Friends can share all sides of themselves. Balance needs of the individual with needs of the group. Teach respect for everyone and the idea that everyone has a piece of the truth. Gather in silent meeting for worship and listen to other people’s thoughts without judgment or comment.

EQUALITY
Respect different people and different ideas. Encourage families of diverse race, socioeconomic status, family structure, and faith backgrounds to worship and join the Meeting. Honor all faiths. Do not try to convert anyone to Quakerism, just offer it for consideration to a Seeker. Celebrate a rich community made up of many cultures. Invite members of various nationalities to share their stories, heritage, experiences. Reflect a broad, inclusive spectrum of the global family.

STEWARDSHIP
Protect and care for the Earth in a sacred trust. Walk lightly on the Earth, recycle and reuse whenever possible, and reduce the amount of energy we consume. Promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Teach social justice and the need for equal access to resources. Instill a sense of social responsibility and service work such as fundraisers, partnerships with outside organizations, and other initiatives.