Testimony of peace

Like other Quaker testimonies, it is not a "belief", but a description of committed actions, in this case to promote peace, and refrain from and actively oppose participation in war.

[citation needed] Some Friends today regard the testimony of peace in even a broader sense, refusing to pay the portion of the income tax that goes to fund the military.

[citation needed] In the United States, others pay into an escrow account in the name of the Internal Revenue Service, which the IRS can only access if they give an assurance that the money will only be used for peaceful purposes.

This excerpt is commonly cited: Some Quakers initially opposed this statement because it did not deny use of the sword to the magistrate or ruler of the state.

Quakers have practised the testimony of peace by protesting against wars, refusing to serve in armed forces if drafted, seeking conscientious objector status when available, and even to participating in acts of civil disobedience.

Apart from the specific question of war, other ways in which Friends have testified to peace have included vegetarianism and a commitment to restorative justice.