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Speaking out in the world

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Large gathering of seated peopleQuakers have a history of speaking out about issues of concern to us. Our testimonies often lead us to advocate positions that are not popular.

In 2009 we spoke out on same-sex marriages. At our first ever Yearly Meeting Gathering (pictured), the Yearly Meeting decided to treat same-sex committed relationships in the same way as opposite-sex marriages, led by our testimonies to truth and equality. Human rights organisations welcomed the decision as “trail-blazing”. 

Quakers continue to stand with others for peace and justice. We supported Quakers who joined demonstrations and public vigils, participated in campaigns and engaged in dialogue with their MPs.

Opportunities for Quakers to engage with local and national media are growing: Britain Yearly Meeting provides advice and guidance to help Quakers to speak out confidently in the world. 

In 2009:

  • there was widespread coverage of our decision on same-sex marriages at Yearly Meeting, including The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, the Daily Mail, and the Daily Mirror. Quakers were interviewed on regional BBC radio channels and on national BBC radio, Channel 4 and Sky News.
  • we ran our third successful Quaker Week, with events and activities held around the country, and new posters and resources made available
  • staff at the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva gave three oral submissions to the influential Human Rights Council on conscientious objectors, working with other organisations to keep this issue high on the global agenda
  • the UN Joint Committee on Human Rights adopted many of QUNO’s recommendations when it reported back to the government on the recruitment of under-18s into the armed forces

“Quakers... value the experience of inspiration and share it in largely silent worship. The Quaker church will now ask the government to change the law to allow its officers to register same-sex partnerships as marriages. But legal recognition is secondary. The exploration of radical concepts is more important, as is the belief that there is good in everyone. As George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement wrote, from prison of course: ‘Then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.’” 

“In praise of… the Quakers”, leader,
The Guardian, Saturday 1 August 2009