Civic Responsibility

We value the part we have in shaping the laws of our country. It is our task to see that these laws serve God’s purposes. Our aim is the building of a social order which works toward the kingdom of God. We affirm our unchanging conviction that our first allegiance is to God, and if this conflicts with any compulsion of the state, we serve our country best by remaining true to our higher loyalty.

If, by divine leading, our attention is focused on a law contrary to divine law, we must proceed with care. Before making a decision, we pray for further divine guidance; we consult with others who might be affected by our decision. When clearness on the decision has been reached, we act with conviction. If our decision involves disobedience to the law, we make the grounds of our action clear to all concerned. If there are penalties, we must suffer them without evasion. We care for those who suffer for conscience’s sake.

• Are we conscientious in fulfilling obligations to the state and society while opposing those contrary to our understanding of the leadings of God?
• What are we doing as individuals and as a Meeting to carry our share of responsibility for the government of our community, state and nation, and for the development of needed inter­national organizations? How are we working for changes in government when change is needed?
• To what extent are we interested in the schools of our community and concerned to establish practices in them consistent with the values we cherish as Friends?
• Do we share our convictions in a spirit of loving concern?