What is the Integrity Testimony?

As Quakers, striving to live with integrity is simply our spiritual practice. We value honesty and seek to maintain moral and ethical principles, though we certainly don’t pretend to be flawless. 

Friends have historically spoken out against injustice as we consider that part of living with integrity. We were one of the first groups to use the phrase, “Speak Truth to Power.”

This page looks at the ways Quakers have aligned with this testimony in the past, how we define it, and how we strive to live with integrity today.   

Integrity is the Testimony that we

consider to be the foundation

under all the other Testimonies. 

These are a few Integrity guidelines we try to follow: 

• making sure one’s words and actions flow from one’s beliefs

• speaking the truth, even when it is difficult

• paying people fair wages for their work

• giving one’s employer the right amount of labor for one’s pay

• saying difficult things with grace and tact

• receiving difficult sayings gracefully

• guarding one’s reputation for honesty, fairness, and fidelity

• taking responsibility for one’s actions and their results

• fulfilling one’s commitments

• taking care of items entrusted to one

• being open to ideas of others but not being too easily swayed

• confronting lapses in integrity in oneself and in others

• giving credit to others for their contributions

• assessing people and situations fairly and accurately

• avoiding spending beyond one’s means

Social Justice Work

Friends see the reality of an unlevel playing field that impacts marginalized people. We feel that to live with integrity means to work for social justice. We speak out against policies that are wrong and inhumane. 

At least in our neck of the woods, a high percentage of Quakers are white, though in other ways we are more diverse (class background, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc)

Our awareness of our white privilege motivates us to get involved locally and to financially support programs and organizations that contribute to creating a world without racism or economic obstacles. We are activists and often organize or attend protest rallies.

• Ending Gun Violence

• Ending Racism

• Ending Atrocities Against Women

• Ending Immigrant Family Separation

• Ending Climate Change

• Ending War

Truth Telling

Being truthful with ourselves and with others is essential for spiritual growth. Our integrity is revealed with truth-telling and is also the path that leads us to Truth. 

In order to truly hear and follow the leadings of Spirit, as Friends we know we must be willing to hear and act on the Truth as it becomes known to us.

Living with integrity also means being who we really are – stripping away those things that are artificial and making our actions consistent with our values.