The Pima Friends Meeting is celebrating more than three centuries of peace by hosting "350 Years of the Quaker Peace Testimony."
The gathering will also include a look at what Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, are doing to further their commitment to nonviolence.
One speaker, David Perkins, will talk about the challenges he faced as a conscientious objector during the Korean War.
"It was not a part of my beliefs to participate in killing or violence of any kind," said Perkins, 77.
He said while there is no draft now, the issue is still relevant.
"It is still an important issue in terms of participation in the military. There are still very serious issues for anyone who joins," he said. "They can end up in situations where they might decide they can't participate any more and there are problems with having to claim conscientious objection to get out."
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He said people often "suffer terribly" from having to do things that are contrary to what they believe or have been taught is right.
The Quakers' commitment to nonviolence and avoiding war was first articulated in a 1660 declaration to King Charles II of England.
Since then, Quakers have worked to promote positive social change, including efforts to abolish slavery, gain civil rights for women and minorities, and advocate alternatives to war.
Topics at the Tucson event will include a talk by a couple who traveled to Iraq in 2002; a look at the efforts of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture; the importance of prison visitation; and promoting economic development in Agua Prieta, Mexico, as a way to find peaceful solutions on the border.
If you go
• What: 350 Years of the Quaker Peace Testimony
• When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22.
• Where: 931 N. Fifth Ave.
• More information: The event is free and open to the public. Child care is available. Parking is not permitted in front the Quaker Meeting House on North Fifth Avenue. Park in back.
Contact reporter Patty Machelor at 806-7753 or pmachelor@azstarnet.com
