"Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts. Trust them as the leadings of God whose Light shows us our darkness and brings us to new life."
Advices and Queries 1
When we give or hear spoken ministry we aim to understand, convey and work on these insights as faithfully as we can. Being faithful to that inner, deeper truth can only be sustained if we value truth in all aspects of life.
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Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts.
- Advices and Queries 1
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Truth is the cornerstone of trust and meaningful relationships. Quakers have always refused to swear oaths, because it implies that there are only certain occasions in which the truth matters. Early Quakers were known for their honesty and straight dealing. This is partly why Quakers were successful in business and banking in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Quakers aim to use simple, direct and honest speech. When we all use this 'plain speaking' we all know where we stand with each other. There should be no deception, no hidden agendas or important things left unsaid.
The Quaker quest for truth has an important role to play in wider society and political life. Quakers speak 'truth to power'. This means that when we feel that something important needs to be said, we must make the effort to say it to the people who need to hear it and have the power to effect change.
Over the last few years Quakers have become increasingly concerned about the decline of truth and integrity in public life.
Recent Quaker work to promote truth:
- In 2020 concerned Quakers established the Quaker Truth and Integrity Group. The group promotes the place of truth and integrity in the public life.
- Quakers in Britain are currently working with MPs, peers and staff on truth and integrity in public affairs. We briefed 60 MPs ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on the subject in September 2022.