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Renewing
Friends Peace Testimony - Report on 2003 FWCC Conference
By Robert L. Wixom
"Force may subdue, but Love
gains. And he that forgives first, wins the laurel".
William Penn (1693)
"...Love is the only way.
It is an eternal reminder to a generation depending on nuclear and atomic
energy, a generation depending on physical violence, that love is the only
creative, redemptive, transforming power in the universe..."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
(1960s)
Friends' Peace Testimony
began with the well known statement in 1661 to King Charles II, "We utterly
deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons for
any evil..." This message was continued with William Penn's above message.
These and many other subsequent messages have enriched our understanding,
deepened our spiritual roots with Peace and strengthened our ongoing commitment
to peace action and non-violence. However, these resources are undergoing
challenges in today's world that is rife with violence, hate, terrorism,
injustice and the continuing threat of war - yes, war with nuclear-, chemical-
and microbial weapons - the weapons of mass destruction.
Our Friends World Committee
for Consultation, Section of the Americas (FWCC) has the traditional purpose
"to be a channel of communication between Friends, helping us to explore
and nurture our identity as Quakers so that we can discover and be faithful
to our true place in the world as a people of God..." Responding to the
tragic acts of terrorism - the so-called "9/11" major destruction and loss
of lives, FWCC in March 2002 issued a call for "a special conference for
Friends' response to the growing dangers of global war and terrorism, |
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