Spiritual evolution of the Religious Society of Friends occurs largely through individual Friends’ openness to spiritual insights. Insights widely held by Friends over time become Testimonies. “Testimonies” as the term is used by Quakers, are commonly held, fundamental beliefs of Friends. Examples are the beliefs in the value of peace and of integrity. Over time, these Testimonies, that is, commonly held beliefs, have guided the public speech and action of Quakers.
There is no single list of Testimonies that all Quaker groupings focus on. The Orange Grove Friends Meeting focuses on the following Testimonies.
Integrity
Integrity is a demanding discipline. We are challenged by cultural values and pressures to conform. Integrity requires that we be fully responsible for our actions. Living with integrity requires living a life of reflection, living in consistency with our beliefs, and doing so regardless of personal consequences. Not least, it calls for a single standard of truth. From the beginning, Friends have held to this standard, and have often witnessed against the mainstream. When they suffered in consequence of their witness against secular order, their integration of belief and practice upheld them in adversity. Read More…
Peace
Based upon love and concern for the wellbeing of all, Friends work for reconciliation and active nonviolent resolutions of conflict. Friends have traditionally supported conscientious objectors to military service, while holding in love, but disagreeing with, those who feel that they must enter the armed forces. Friends oppose all war as inconsistent with God’s will. Read more…
Simplicity
Simplicity is the right ordering of our lives, placing God at the center. When we shed possessions, activities and behavior that distract us from that center, we can focus on what is important. Simplicity does not mean denying life’s pleasures, but being open to the promptings of the spirit. Read more…
Community
The Spirit calls Friends to acknowledge their connection to one another and to all creation. This understanding strengthens us to minister to one another and the wider community, to test individual leadings, and to witness to the truth as it is revealed to us. Living by faith is not a private matter. It calls us outward to the needs of the community at large. Read more…
Unity
Friends believe that it is possible for the human spirit to be in direct communion with the Divine. Seeking God’s will together, we believe the way will open and unity will emerge.
Working together to discern and serve God’s will both nourishes and benefits from unity. This unity grows from trust in one another and readiness to speak out, confident that together, Friends will find the truth. Read more…
Equality
The Friends’ testimony on equality is rooted in the holy expectation that there is that of God in everyone, including adversaries and people from widely different stations, life experiences, and religious persuasions. All must therefore be treated with integrity and respect. The conviction that each person is equally a child of God opened the way for women to be leaders in the Religious Society of Friends: both women and men ministered in Friends Meetings from earliest days. Read more…
Source: The introductory section defining “Testimonies” is adapted from the 2001 edition of Faith and Practice by Pacific Yearly Meeting , which has kindly granted permission for its re-publication as well as the republication of the text on the individual Testimonies.