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Friends are earnestly cautioned against the taking of
arms against any person, since "all outward wars and strife
and fightings with outward weapons" are contrary to our
Christian testimony. Friends should beware of supporting preparations
for war even indirectly, and should examine in this light such
matters as non-combatant military service, cooperation with
conscription, employment or investment in war industries, and
voluntary payment of war taxes. When their actions are
carefully considered, Friends must be prepared to accept the
consequences of their convictions. Friends are advised to maintain our
testimony against war by endeavoring to exert an influence in
favor of peaceful principles and the settlement of all differences
by peaceful methods. They should lend support to all that
strengthens international friendship and understanding and give
active help to movements that substitute cooperation and justice
for force and intimidation.
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