Faith based witness is needed more than ever, and there is plenty to get involved in
A series of repressive laws are making it harder for British citizens to speak out against injustice. This trend is concerning, but it must not stop our vital witness, there is plenty that Quakers are doing and can continue to do!
Over the last few months Quakers in Britain staff have been hearing from many Quakers concerned about the crackdown on dissent. Most are outraged; some are resigned, others scared. Many more want to do something but are confused about what is and isn't 'permissible' in a rapidly changing context.
It would be foolish to claim that repressive laws don't bring extra complexity and potential risks to those of us called to speak out for peace and justice. Those risks are magnified for people of colour, non-British nationals or people from other marginalised groups. We must factor this into our thinking. Organisations such as Green and Black Cross and the Network for Police Monitoring (Netpol) are excellent sources of information, including on the recent proscription of Palestine Action.
At the same time is vital that we are not intimidated into self-censorship or silence. Even in these difficult times, in the vast majority of cases, legislation does not - and should not - prevent faith-led nonviolent witness. Friends are already active, and much more is possible. Here are some ways we can respond:
- Remember we're in it for the long haul
When faced with so much injustice, it's easy to lose heart. Some may find comfort by recalling that this is not the first time in history that Quaker witness has been threatened by state repression. Just as Friends in the past found ways of staying faithful to their leadings, so can we.
We can continue to use our tried and tested ways of grounding in stillness, testing our concerns and leadings, finding comfort in Quaker community, in Meeting and in Quaker faith & practice.
Remember that as Friends we are tasked with engaging with the world as it is, with all its failings. Quakers are in this for the long haul.
“Peace is a process to engage in, not a goal to be reached"
Quaker faith & practice 24.57.
- The importance of community
Witness can be lonely; having people to share joys, frustrations, test ideas, worship or simply have fun with can be a huge source of strength.
For some that community will be a Quaker meeting. For others it might be fellow peace activists who share our passions, or who have taken similar action in the past. It could be Friends you chat with over a cup of tea. Who do you know that you could reach out to?
- Quakers in Britain staff can connect you with other Quakers working for peace, including through online Faith in Action drop-in sessions. Contact faithinaction@quaker.org.uk
- You can also use our Quaker Faith in Action map to connect with other Quaker taking action for peace and justice near you
- Learn about and help to build a culture of nonviolence
Quakers have a long tradition of nonviolent action for peace, equality and justice. In these challenging times, the more of us who have the knowledge, skills and tools to practice nonviolence the better. Along with learning for ourselves, we can create welcoming spaces where Friends and newcomers can explore nonviolent approaches and understand the reasons for nonviolent direct action.
The wealth of resources, learning and inspiring experiences available to draw on include:
- Quakers and Anabaptists: A Shared History of Nonviolence - Woodbrooke event, 24 September 2025
- Stories and tools from Quaker partners in East Africa
- Engaging with conflict and challenging hate toolkit
- Quaker peace education resources
- Quaker toolkits for action
Quakers in Britain are planning training workshops on nonviolent protest and assembly. To get notification of these please sign up to our Quaker Faith in Action newsletter or email faithinaction@quaker.org.uk
- Building hope through action
Taking positive action for peace and justice shows that alternative futures are possible, inspiring hope for the future and inviting people to join the journey.
The right kind of action will be different for each of us. It might be a protest outside a military airbase, striking up dialogue with an MP, or helping to build stronger interfaith relations. It could be offering childcare or upholding a f/Friend as they act on their own leadings. In almost every town or city you'll find action you could support.
Quakers in Britain's accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky are great sources of news, events and action alerts about other Quaker work for peace. Opportunities coming up include:
- Take part in the weekly Red Line for Gaza actions. Quakers in Britain recently joined this national campaign. You can sign up to send a message each week to your MP demanding the British government acts to end its complicity in the genocide in Gaza.
- Join other Quakers taking part in the national Palestine demonstrations in London and other major cities. For more information join the Quaker Palestine Solidarity WhatsApp group
- Join Quaker Roots to witness against the world's largest arms fair – the DSEI UK taking place in London this September. Preparation events are happening online between now and September, including opportunities to get involved if you can't travel to London. Key days for action will be 8 and 9 September.
