George Fox is regarded as the principal leader of the early Quaker movement  during the 17th century. He encouraged Quakers to ‘Let your lives speak’ and among other things to work in the professions, in trade and business to improve the lives of others through fair dealing and integrity. He also wrote movingly about caring for other animals and the rest of physical creation. 

The success of Quakers in their fields of work also, however, led them to join with others in what became the industrial revolution and the – at the time unforeseen – associated exploitation of both people and the natural environment.

As we reflect on history and on global climate change and environmental crises that we are facing today, as Quakers we are challenged as individuals and as communities to make reparations to those who will suffer most and to take decisive actions to reduce our impact on the earth to a sustainable level.

We realise that we can only do a small part of what is needed – but we are not alone. We work alongside other faiths, individuals and organisations to put into action our Quaker ‘testimonies’ of truth, integrity, equality, peace and simplicity.

Taking action is one way of building hope and banishing the despair that many of us feel in the face of the forecast climate catastrophe.

Written by Janet and Nick Chetwood, Brigflatts Local Quaker Meeting.

To share an insight about how your faith impacts your view of things, please contact: faithviewpoint@gmail.com.

Silent Witness for Climate Change vigils are held on the first Monday of every month from 10:30am to 11:15am at the Birdcage in the centre of Kendal.