Quakers responding to the Climate Crisis

George Fox is regarded as the principal leader of the early Quaker movement during the 17th century. He encouraged Quakers to ‘Let your lives speak’ and amongst other things to work in the professions, in trade and business to improve the lives of others through fair dealing and integrity. He also wrote movingly about caring for other animals and the rest of physical creation.

The success of Quakers in their fields of work also, however, led them to join with others in what became the industrial revolution, which led eventually, but unknowingly at the time, to the exploitation of both people and the natural environment.

As we reflect on history and on global climate change and environmental crises that we are facing today, Quakers are challenged as individuals and as communities to make reparations to those who will suffer most and to take decisive actions to reduce our impact on the earth to a sustainable level.

Quakers realise that we can only do a small part of what is needed – but we are not alone. We work alongside many other faiths, individuals and organisations to put into action our Quaker ‘testimonies’ of truth, integrity, equality, peace and simplicity.

Action is a way of building hope and banishing the despair that many of us feel.

Amongst many other things, local Quakers hold a “Silent Witness” at the Birdcage in Kendal on the first Monday in every month 10:30 to 11:15 am. Everyone is welcome.

Janet and Nick Chetwood
(members of Brigflatts Local Quaker Meeting)
September 2024