“Testimonies” are what Quakers call the ways we have found to live and act based on our beliefs. As a group, we find that listening to and following God leads to these lived principles.

An easy way to remember these testimonies is by the acronym "SPICES." 

Testimonies are not fixed dogma, but a distillation of Friends' faith in action over the centuries. They are affirmative but may sometimes lead to action that runs counter to certain practices currently accepted in the Society at large. Being in community with other Quakers helps each of us as we strive to live according to these testimonies. 

  • SIMPLICITY

    Focusing on what is truly important and letting other things fall away.

  • PEACE

    Seeking justice and healing for all people; taking away the causes of war in the ways we live.

  • INTEGRITY

    Acting on what we believe, telling the truth, and doing what we say we will.

  • COMMUNITY

    Supporting one another in our faith journeys and in times of joy and sorrow;
    sharing with and caring for each other.

  • EQUALITY

    Treating everyone, everywhere, as equally precious to God, recognizing that everyone has gifts to share.

  • SUSTAINABILITY

    Caring for the earth, valuing and responding to all of God's creation; using only our fair share of the earth's resources; working for policies that protect the planet.