For centuries Quakers have objected to war and armed service on grounds of conscience, and fought for the right to conscientious objection. Now we are campaigning for exemption to military taxation.

In Britain, there has not been military conscription since the 1950s, but citizens continue to pay for war through our taxes. Conscientious objection in Britain today is about upholding the right to refuse to pay for others to kill on our behalf.

Read more about the history of conscientious objection and Quakers.

Take action

    International Conscientious Objectors Day

    15 May marks International Conscientious Objection Day, celebrating resisters of war past and present. Quakers join people of all faiths and none at these events.

    Let us know if you're holding your own commemoration. Possible venues are listed by the Peace Pledge Union.

    Write to prisoners for peace

    You can support conscientious objectors who have been imprisoned for refusing to join the military by writing to them.

    Each year on 1 December, supporters of conscientious objection mark Prisoners for Peace Day. War Resisters' International publishes a list of prisoners who are either conscientious objectors or who have taken nonviolent actions to disrupt preparation for war.

    Find out more

    • Visit Conscience, the national NGO campaigning for an increase in the proportion of tax spent on peacebuilding.
    • Visit War Resisters' International, the organisation supporting conscientious objectors around the world.

    Image: White carnations laid at Conscientious objectors stone, Tavistock Square, London (Quakers in Britain)

    Contact us

    Sam Walton
    Peace & Disarmament Programme Manager
    020 7663 1067
    samw@quaker.org.uk
    @DisarmQuaker