Quaker Peace Testimony 1660/1–2011

2010-11 will be the 350th anniversary of the Quaker Peace Testimony. It was on 21st of the 11th month 1660 in the old calendar (21st January 1661 in the modern calendar) that a declaration was given to King Charles II from “the harmless and innocent people of God, called Quakers against all plotters and fighters in the world…”

Although this was intended to disassociate Quakers from the more violent of the opponents of the Restoration, it contained the significant words “All bloody Principles and Practices we… do utterly deny, with all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward Weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever. And this is our testimony to the whole world…”

The Library is preparing a CD of images of materials in the collection showing Quakers’ involvement in peace work, which will be available to meetings wishing to commemorate the anniversary.

Further information is available from the Picture Librarian, Joanna Clark.

Contact:
joannac@quaker.org.uk
020 7663 1130
www.quaker.org.uk/library