Quaker Faith and Witness

As Quakers we hope that our lives speak peace, equality and respect for the earth. In addition to the holding of public Meetings for Worship, Devon Quakers are involved in many community projects and activities. Contact us if you would like to help or are seeking more information.

Palestine & Israel [updated 14/5/2024]

Quakers in Britain have a long history of working for peace in Palestine and Israel. You can read more about the national Quakers and our involvement in the Middle East here: Quaker engagement with Israel and Palestine

Devon Quakers have adopted a specific 'concern' around Israel & Palestine, and several local Quakers have been volunteers with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), an international programme coordinated by the World Council of Churches. It brings people from around the world to the West Bank to serve for three months as human rights monitors. We call them Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs).

Since October 2023 many Quakers are involved in peace vigils and protests across Devon. Please use the "Contact us" tab if you would like to get in touch with Quakers in specific towns in Devon.

Quakers in Britain has joined with charities calling on the UK government to take meaningful action to stop any further attacks on Rafah ("Joint statement on Rafah incursion). Read more and take urgent action.
 

Ukraine: [updated 14/5/2024]

Quakers in Devon continue to uphold all those impacted by the situation in Ukraine. We have joined with our local communities in vigils and services; some Friends link with Quakers around the World in online Meetings.  Friends continue to host guests through the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme.

In December 2023 Quakers in Britain joined other faith and civil society groups calling on the Russian and Ukrainian governments to respect the rights of conscientious objectors. 

Dedicated page on our Quakers in Britain website about our response to the situation: Ukraine | Quakers in Britain

This page includes details of international online regular meetings for worship.

Quakers reflect on their testimony to peace in light of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine: Hard questions: Ukraine (PDF)

Chaplaincy

  • Prison chaplains provide valuable support in HMP Channings Wood, HMP Dartmoor and HMP Exeter.
  • Quaker-appointed Chaplains also work as part of multi-faith teams to support hospital patients in Exeter and Torbay hospitals.
  • There is a Quaker presence in Plymouth University and Exeter University

Support for refugees

Many Meetings active involvement in bodies such as Refugee Support Devon has led to various initiatives. One such, following a deeply felt process of spiritual discernment, is Exmouth Local Meeting’s Concern for Refugees, which has resulted in the purchase of a property to house a refugee family under the Government’s refugee resettlement scheme. Friends in Exeter, Kingsbridge and Tavistock are also very active. Please contact us if you are interested in linking up.

Other concerns

Friends across Devon are actively translating their faith into action within Quaker organisations or in collaboration with others sharing the same concerns, such as poverty, sustainability, climate change and mental health. In these ways we strive to be a loving community which is open and welcoming to all.

Many local Quakers are involved in activities and organisations that individuals feel exemplify our Quaker Testimonies. These include participating in Extinction Rebellion actions, involvement in the Transition Town movement, campaigning for better treatment of refugees, and supporting the vulnerable in their local communities in many different ways.