We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and
fighting with outward weapons to any end and
under any pretense whatever. This is our testimony
to the whole world.

In 1947, the American Friends Service Committee and the British Friends Service Council received the Nobel Peace Prize, on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends, for humanitarian service, work for reconciliation, and the spirit in which these were carried out.

The Quakers have shown us that it is possible to carry into action something which is deeply rooted in the minds of many: sympathy with others; the desire to help others; that significant expression of sympathy between men, without regard to nationality or race; feelings which, when carried into deeds, must provide the foundation of a lasting peace. For this reason they are today worthy of receiving Nobel's Peace Prize. Gunnar Jahn, chairman, Nobel Committee, at the presentation of the Nobel Peace Award, December 10, 1947

Germany 1946

France 1940's

We believe that social and economic deterioration undermine true peace... and that individuals, acting on the basis of hope, can make a profound difference in human affairs. Donald Gann, clerk of AFSC Board, opening of the Stille Helfer (Quiet Helpers) exhibit, Berlin, Germany, January 1996. The exhibit surveys Quaker humanitarian service in Germany, 1920 to 1950.

We seek to understand and address the root causes of poverty, injustice, and war. We are called to confront, nonviolently, powerful institutions of violence, evil, oppression, and injustice. We work to relieve and prevent suffering. We work with all people. AFSC Mission Statement

Racial Justice Program, USA 1996 Haiti 1995

Gaza 1991 Protest March, Vermont 1987

Vietnam 1993 Immigration Program, Miami 1996

For more information about the 1947 Nobel Peace Prize, see these resources:

• The Quakers, Speech by Gunnar Jahn, Chairman, Nobel Committee, and Director of the Bank of Norway, at the presentation of The Nobel Peace Award for 1947. Oslo, Dec. 10, 1947.
• The Quaker Peace Testimony and the Nobel Peace Prize, Irwin Abrams, Antioch University. Presented at the International Conference: "The Pacifist Impulse in Historical Perspective", University of Toronto, May 1991. (43 Kb)

• If thine enemy hunger, feed him. Article by David Gracie in The Canadian Friend, March-April 1997.

• Nobel related resources.

• Full text of Oscar Arias' Speech to AFSC's Annual Public Gathering, November 15, 1997, Demilitarization: An Indispensable Component for Development.(21 Kb)

Photos: Germany 1946 (AFSC Archives); France 1940's (AFSC Archives); West Virginia 1930's (AFSC Archives), Honduras 1970 (AFSC Archives); Mozambique 1992 (Bonnie Dalziel ; Quang Ngai, Vietnam 1967 (Andy Engeval); Mali 1970 (Chua-Oon/Rinfret); Florida 1985 (Terry Foss); Racial Justice Program, USA 1996 (Terry Foss); Gaza 1980 (Ulrika Persson); Vietnam 1993 (Lady Borton), Haiti 1995 (©Pat Goudvis); Protest March, USA 1987 (David McCauley); Immigration Program, Newark, NJ 1996 (Terry Foss), Orita Program 1996 (Terry Foss).