Friends Peace Teams, who work for peace around the world, encourage all of us who believe in and work for a world without war and a world in which peace and non-violence prevail to compose our own Statement of Conscience.
On their page, Conscientious Objection to War, they propose that we might arrive at such a statement through the practice of inward listening to the guidance that comes from deep inside of us.
The Quaker practice of inward listening can be traced back to the mid-17th century, which was a time of intense religious and political upheaval. During this time, George Fox began preaching a message of direct, personal experience with God. He believed God’s presence dwells within every individual, a concept he called the “Inner Light.” This belief has become central to Quaker spirituality.
What is a Statement of Conscience?
A Statement of Conscience is simply a sincere and honest expression of one’s beliefs about war and non-violence, drawn from the depths of our personal conscience. Such statements are inspired by the Declaration of Friends to King Charles II in 1660:
“We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world.”
Thus, Friends Peace Teams encourage each of us to write such statement to both clarify our own beliefs and guide our actions going forward. You could say that our Statement of Conscience becomes a kind of personal testimony.
They suggest that we can begin the process by listening to our conscience in regard to our beliefs regarding, for example: war, white dominance, racism, or any form of violence, prejudice, or privilege that exploits people or nature.
We are then encouraged to write about we truly believe about these issues through the process becoming still and listens inwardly. This method is not about control. It is about being open to that which arises spontaneously from inside of us. It is at this stage that whatever truth or guidance that emerges from within is what we should write down.
Sample Statement of Conscience (Anonymous)
“I oppose war in all its forms—its violence, its dehumanization, and its erosion of empathy. Conflict should never be glorified when understanding and diplomacy are possible. Peace is not passive; it’s an active commitment to resolve differences without destruction. I denounce racism, both overt and hidden, for the way it fractures communities and denies dignity. Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with equity. I stand against the systems that perpetuate injustice and silence, and I commit to lifting up voices that are suppressed. I reject the exploitation of others and the natural world. The earth is not a resource to be pillaged, and people are not commodities to be used. I believe that true progress honors sustainability, cooperation, and compassion. This statement reflects my own personal ethic—an allegiance to justice, peace, and care. It is my promise to live in a way that respects all life and challenges the forces that harm it.”
Steps to Take in Writing a Statement of Conscience
In order to help you to write your own Statement of Conscience, Friends Peace Teams have outlined a series of steps to help us to discern of own beliefs. To read these steps, GO HERE.
This page also features Statements of Conscience written by Quakers from around the world.