Quakers have campaigned on a range of topics beyond those we currently work on. This page outlines previous Quaker campaigning work on climate justice and peace that may still be of interest.

Please bear in mind the resources shared on this page will not be being updated – we hope that they will still be useful for reference but they may contain out-of-date information.

The New Economy

Previous Quaker work for climate and economic justice has involved being part of a wider movement working to build a 'new economy' that puts people and planet before profit. As well as learning more about our economic system to inform and inspire our witness, Quakers have worked to challenge injustices and build positive, practical alternatives. Find out more about our work on economic justice, including our series of booklets designed to explore the principles of the new economy.

Responding to the war in Ukraine

When Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Quakers in Britain immediately responded with a statement condemning the action. We also gave information and advice to Friends on the UK government's Home for Ukraine scheme; how and where to donate; and how to work for peaceful approaches to the conflict. Some of the resources created at the time can be viewed here:

Resources

  • Hard questions: Ukraine (PDF) – Quakers reflect on their testimony to peace in light of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
  • In a statement on 24 February 2022 Quakers in Britain strongly condemned the invasion of Ukraine and called for an end to the fighting.
  • Northern Friends Peace Board compiled a list of resources to increase understanding of the crisis and advocate peaceable action.
  • Some prepared ministry on responding to the war in Ukraine was delivered to Meeting for Sufferings, the national representative body of Quakers in Britain.
  • Nuclear disarmament

    Quakers view weapons of mass destruction to be immoral and illegal. Quakers have worked for decades with other organisations, policy-makers and civil society to rid the world of nuclear weapons. We remain members of the No Trident Replacement network.

    Quakers in Britain joined more than 440 non-governmental organisations in supporting the United Nations nuclear ban treaty, which was adopted in 2017. The delegate for Quakers in Britain, Timmon Wallis, represented a coalition of faith communities and helped frame how nuclear disarmament could be achieved.

    Resources

    Armed drones

    As a founder member of the Drone Campaign Network, Quakers in Britain helped coordinate collective action by groups aiming to stop the proliferation of military drones.

    In collaboration with Afghan Peace Volunteers, the network also produced a range of learning materials about peace and human rights designed for young people called Fly Kites Not Drones brings together. It is an inspiring way to talk about the problems around drones and includes guidance for making and flying your own kite for peace.

  • Visit the Fly Kites Not Drones website.
  • Read this excellent introduction to the issue of armed drone warfare (PDF).
  • Opposing militarism

    A collaboration between the Peace Campaigning and Peace Education teams, this campaign aimed to expose and challenge the rising tide of militarism in Britain. Find out more about the Peace Education team's ongoing work challenging militarism in schools.

    Militarism is the belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. It is also the accompanying practice of preparation for war. This campaign called for investment to be channelled into humanitarian, peacebuilding and development efforts to wither the roots of war and build true security.

    Resources

  • Report: The new tide of militarisation (2018)
  • War School (offsite link) is a film exploring how war affects those who leave the armed forces, how the armed forces promote military values in schools, and how the government encourages the glorification of war. After a successful series of screenings in 2019, the film has been made free-to-view online (offsite link).