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Table of Contents |
Book of Discipline of the
Ohio Valley Religious Society of Friends, 1978
Social Relations |
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Friends in the American Colonies The Second Period of Quakerism Some Twentieth Century Developments History of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting Personal Life and Family Relations |
Universal Love We acknowledge that all persons are children of one God, whose love and care are shared by all. We earnestly urge our members to be faithful to the principle of universal love in all the affairs of life. As the love of God prevails in our souls, we are led to love and forgive one another. Under the influence of that love we will give the shortcomings of others the best construction which circumstances warrant; we will not make such matters a topic of common conversation, but rather endeavor quietly to remove any causes tending to disturb the love, unity and peace which should prevail among the followers of truth. Christian ideals need no concealment, nor can the equality which Jesus taught be restricted by any secret ritual or creed; therefore Friends are cautioned against membership in any organization which will directly or indirectly diminish sympathy with any portion of humankind, or which may lead to the condemnation of the people of any religion, race or nationality. In all human relationships our profession of God's universal love should prevent our making any distinctions of class, station, wealth, color or race which might bar friendly interaction. Social Improvement We view the world as one community in which no group of persons can live in peace until all receive justice. We recognize the obligation to work as way opens toward developing social institutions which more nearly meet the needs of all people. We can best understand and cooperate with others when we know their conditions and aspirations. Especially is this true regarding those who are oppressed by the social and economic systems under which they live. Through a sensitivity to cultural differences and a spirit of reciprocal sharing of ideas, reconciliation and nonviolent social change may be promoted. We realize we are a part of both the cause and the solution of the problems of the world. Our lives are often made comfortable by the hidden exploitation of people, inherent in our highly industrialized society. We should all face honestly the conditions of our particular situation and their impact on the complex social and economic systems of the world. With Divine help we should work for the changes which will insure that all human beings can live in harmony and with dignity. Many openings exist for those who are willing to devote themselves to social betterment in the improvement of living and housing conditions, the extension of public education, the improvement of public health, penal reforms and other important matters for the advancement of the social order. Changing social and economic conditions are constantly creating new problems of readjustment which require careful study for their proper solution. Disease, disasters and human strife create conditions requiring the devoted service of those who are able to extend care to the sick, the suffering and the needy. Voluntary Service Social service as a vocation can best be undertaken by those especially qualified by training. But there remains for every willing individual an opportunity for service in daily life and at special times. All our members should carefully consider what form of service they may best render to those in need. Our younger as well as older members are urged to consider seriously devoting a definite portion of their lives to service at home or abroad under the care of our own or similar organizations which exist for the promotion of human welfare.
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