'The truth testimony reminds me of the importance of respecting other people’s observations and hypotheses.' Photo: Helena Lopes / Unsplash.
Approaching membership: Engaging with the testimonies
How does a newcomer grow to understand the Quaker testimonies? Helen Addison, who became a member of Mid-Thames Area Meeting in January, offers some thoughts.
by Helen Addison
1st February 2019
Peace
My commitment to peace begins with my thoughts and behaviour. I try to think empathetically towards others, especially those who might offend me. Why do they behave thus? What happened in their past? Tension dissipates through empathy. Instead of distance and opposition, I perceive overlap and sympathy.
Peace is not the opposite of conflict. Conflict is natural and normal. People have different interests and worldviews, and material resources are finite. How we manage conflict is where peace is relevant.
