Disarmament

We believe that a world is possible where relationships between communities and nations are based on justice and respect, rather than military might.

'You cannot foster harmony by the apparatus of discord, nor cherish goodwill by the equipment of hate.  But it is by harmony and goodwill that human security can be obtained.' (Quaker Faith and Practice 24.40)

'Friends' opposition to all forms of violence imposes on them the responsibility to seek alternative responses to conflict and injustice.' (Quaker Faith and Practice 24.38) 

Peace campaigning and networking

QPSW promotes understanding of the Quaker commitment to peace and its expression in the world today. Working with other organisations, policy-makers and the public, we promote disarmament and challenge militarism. In  particular, we work to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

In recent years, work has included developing and promoting an agenda for a safer world, based on progressive demilitarisation on the one hand, while tackling the systemic cause of violence such as poverty and the effects of climate change on the other.  A crude illustration of the problem is that the world spends over a trillion US dollars on the military and only a small fraction of this on alleviating poverty and addressing climate change.  As part of our work on sustainable security, QPSW has been liaising with the Government's 'conflict prevention' staff and raising public awareness and interest in the relevant issues. 

More information about the programme can be found on the Peace Campaigning and Networking (PeCaN) factsheet. You can learn about and get involved in work of the QPSW Peace & Disarmament Programme using the links on the left. To take action on peace issues visit www.peaceexchange.org.uk

From Quaker News: A sea change for nuclear disarmament?