However, we also get involved in other areas of peace campaigning:
- We work with like-minded organisations to challenge excessive military spending and to change attitudes towards what 'security' means and how we can best achieve it.
- We work with different churches, faith traditions and secular organisations and movements, and offer a Quaker voice within the networks and campaigns of the British peace movement.
- We create resources and support grassroots actions for change that share the Quaker peace testimony with the world.
Confronting militarism and climate breakdown
Quakers are calling on the UK and other governments to respond to the challenge of climate breakdown in a peaceful and cooperative way, rather than with more militarisation. Find out more.
Understanding conscientious objection
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 working to support objectors and deserters from the Russia-Ukraine war and to raise wider awareness of the right to conscientious objection. Find out more.
Ending the arms trade
The arms trade is a root cause of human suffering and environmental degradation. As well as facilitating deadly conflict and the suppression of human rights, the arms trade has devastating long-term impacts on nature and creates further insecurity. We work with others to challenge the morality of the trade as a whole and to shine a light on the unethical and sometimes illegal activities of the arms industry.
Quakers in Britain is a founding member of Stop the Arms Fair, a coalition of groups opposing the Defence and Security Equipment International arms fair (DSEI) in East London every other year. Together with Pax Christi, we hold a silent, candlelit vigil at the gates of the arms fair on its opening eve, in solidarity with victims of the arms trade. We also support the grassroots group Quaker Roots to build resistance to the arms fair through nonviolent protest, creative actions and prayer. To get involved, visit the Quaker Roots website.
Quakers have also been opposing the annual arms fair at Telford International Centre with our partners at Stop SDSC-UK. Visit Stop SDSC-UK's website to find out more and get involved.
Rethinking Security
We are an active member of the Rethinking Security network, which seeks to change attitudes towards security, focusing on what makes humans and the planet more secure rather than the supposed security provided by arming nation states. We work to share Rethinking Security's ideas with a wider audience. You can read more about it on the Rethinking Security website.
- Rethinking Security's Alternative Security Review is due to be launched in 2025.
- Check out Rethinking Security's how-to guides on starting effective conversations about security with your MP and other issues.
