George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence.

Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this episode, he shares his deep conviction that pacifism is the way forward, even in an age of troubling conflict and polarization. We asked George about his lifetime of nonviolent activism, and why Quakers are pacifists.

This episode originally was released on May 8, 2024.

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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the true architects of its rebellious spirit might not be the founding fathers you expect. Quaker historian Max Carter joins the show to unpack the radical, plain-speaking movement that quietly hardwired the nation's legal system, culture, and architecture. Discover how a "holy experiment" accidentally fueled a revolution and shaped the foundational values that Americans still live by today.

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World Quaker Day is on Sunday, October 4th, 2026, and this year’s theme is “Let Peace Be Among Us.” To mark the day, the Friends World Committee for Consultation is doing something pretty incredible: a massive, global online Meeting for Worship. It’s a chance to bridge time zones and traditions—to be in a shared, digital worship that stretches around the entire world.

Find out more and other ways to take part in World Quaker Day at www.worldquakerday.org.

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When authoritarianism wraps itself in faith, how should a spiritual community respond? We trace the chilling historical parallels between 1930s Germany and the modern political moment as Quaker lawyer Scott Holmes crafts a modern declaration of resistance. Drawing on the 1934 Barmen Declaration, we explore the collision of religion and nationalism. How do we maintain integrity when political forces co-opt sacred traditions? Join us to navigate the challenge of preserving truth and radical love in a fractured world.

Read Scott Holmes' full statement here: https://curtisscottholmes.blogspot.com/2025/12/statement-of-faith-toward-shared.html?m=1

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The sheer scale of the climate crisis can easily lead to burnout if we don't have a strong anchor to hold us steady. Today, we are digging beneath the protests and policies to explore the deep, spiritual roots that actually sustain this vital work. Join us to discover how a profound shift in our theology can transform environmentalism from a crushing global obligation into a deeply personal, daily practice of love.

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World Quaker Day is on Sunday, October 4th, 2026, and this year’s theme is “Let Peace Be Among Us.” To mark the day, the Friends World Committee for Consultation is doing something pretty incredible: a massive, global online Meeting for Worship. It’s a chance to bridge time zones and traditions—to be in a shared, digital worship that stretches around the entire world.

Find out more and other ways to take part in World Quaker Day at www.worldquakerday.org.

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Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

How do Quakers prepare for Meeting for Worship? How do we get ready for an hour of silence in which we may feel called upon to stand and give a message?

In this week’s episode, we share three essays written by members of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting about their experience of Quaker Meeting for Worship.

This episode originally aired on June 21, 2023.

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How do you build peace in a war zone? During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, it didn't always start with politicians or treaties. Sometimes it started with an ordinary cup of tea. Explore the hidden history of how Irish Quakers stepped into the margins of a deeply divided society, using radical acts of hospitality to do the quiet, dangerous work of turning enemies into friends.

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Irish Quakers have always punched far above their weight, leaning on deep spirituality and radical hospitality to bring relief during the Great Famine and build quiet trust throughout the Northern Ireland peace process. Last month, podcast producer Zack Jackson traveled to Ireland Yearly Meeting to learn, firsthand, how this diverse community has managed to have such an outsized impact on the island. Tune in to hear what this small but mighty community can teach the rest of us.

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Quaker author, speaker, and teacher Parker Palmer joins us to explore the tension between the world's demands for success, and our soul’s need for integrity. By sharing his personal journey through darkness and renewal, he offers a deeply moving invitation to let go of forced outcomes and instead live with simple faithfulness to our unique gifts.

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Want an experience that lives at the intersection of transformational spirituality and activism? Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS) is an 11-month experiment in intentional living.

Through the program, young adults work full-time at community-based organizations while living in a cooperative house and receiving mentorship from local Quakers. Fellows are provided with housing, food, a personal stipend, wellness supports, and a deeply engaged community dedicated to supporting young adults in discerning and living into their gifts and callings.

You can support this prophetic work by applying for the fellowship, volunteering locally, or donating directly to support the Fellows. Learn more and get involved today:

https://quakervoluntaryservice.org/

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