“[B]e patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone; whereby in them you may be a blessing, and make the witness of God in them to bless you.”
—George Fox
Witness
Bearing witness to one’s beliefs through action is central to Quakers’ practicing their faith. Since Quakers believe that God is leading them directly, without an intermediate clergy, a Quaker’s bearing witness is a direct expression of his or her faith. Friends Meeting at Cambridge provides support for those who are witnessing in their lives for racial, social and economic justice, religious freedom, and environmental awareness through its witness committees and groups, which you are welcome to visit. We support ongoing public witness through our witness committees Peace and Social Concerns, Friends for Racial Justice, and Cambridge Quaker Earthday Witness, which you are welcome to join.
Why Quakers Witness
While God’s will is rarely clear, Friends Meeting at Cambridge offers many traditional practices that help us try to understand it. In attending silent collective worship, God’s guidance often comes through personal meditation or from listening to spontaneous “spoken ministry” when fellow Quakers are led to speak out in the Meeting. Participation in the Meeting’s committees also helps Quakers clarify God’s guidance since leadings are discussed deeply and spiritually.
Today’s Quakers bear witness by such actions as holding vigils at a weapons factory, participating in social services, or by strengthening community ties — all of which are expressions of the leadings God has presented. Bearing witness to our faith and beliefs fosters fellowship with others with the same beliefs. Moreover, bearing witness involves a willingness to learn from others while witnessing, based on the belief that God’s truth is greater than we can know.
For more information, write office@fmcquaker.org.