Abstract
In the beginning of the Religious Society of Friends, in the seventeenth century, Quakers sought sanctuary from persecution in England and its American colonies. Later they provided sanctuary to people fleeing persecution, slavery, and war in many countries. They base their humanitarian efforts on five Testimonies and their core beliefs in the inner light of God in every person and the primacy of individual conscience. Often their sanctuary activities have led them into conflict with repressive governments and religious authorities. Their relief work with refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants, sometimes under dangerous conditions, earned them the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947. Despite their small numbers, Quakers have continued to play leadership roles in humanitarian initiatives up to the present day. Their sanctuary tradition has now flourished for more than 350 years.
Highlights
Sanctuary—refuge or assistance to people fleeing persecution, slavery, war, or criminal accusation—is an ancient institution and practice, perhaps as old as our species
A few years later, at the beginning of the Religious Society of Friends (RSF), persecuted Quakers sought private sanctuary; later they gave it to others
From our own beginnings when we were imprisoned for meeting for worship in 17th century England, to helping black people escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad, to attempting to secure safety for Jews fleeing Nazism, we have been led to take an unpopular position even in the face of imprisonment or other government action. . . . In this case the U.S government is telling us whose life to save and whose life to sacrifice
Summary
Sanctuary—refuge or assistance to people fleeing persecution, slavery, war, or criminal accusation—is an ancient institution and practice, perhaps as old as our species. Christianity existed, it was honored in many religious traditions and societies. From the sixth to the seventeenth century CE, it was a recognized part of British law and society, provided by houses of worship and powerful authorities. A few years later, at the beginning of the Religious Society of Friends (RSF), persecuted Quakers sought private sanctuary; later they gave it to others. Over their 350-year history they have developed “faith and practice” that provide the rationale for rescue, protection, and relief for people fleeing persecution and war in many countries. 350,000 Quakers in the world (more than half in Africa), the Religious Society of Friends is more diverse than commonly believed. Religions 2018, 9, 155 differences, almost all subscribe to the idea of the “light within, that of God in every person” and the primacy of individual conscience
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