My brethren, above all things, swear not, neither by heaven, nor by earth, nor any other oath, lest ye fall into condemnation. —James 5:12, as quoted by George Fox, 1656 in his Journal, Nickall’s edition, p. 245
From the very beginnings of the Religious Society of Friends, advices and queries have focused attention on integrity, including being honest in all things and all aspects of our lives. Today we have the legal right to “affirm” that we are telling the truth, in legal documents, as well as all other times. We also honor the Friends who came before us, whose steadfastness in keeping from oaths, gives us that right today.
“That all Friends that have callings and trades…keep to their yea and nay in all their communications.” Advices from the Elders at Balby, 1656
A recent query from Britain Yearly Meeting (2010) says: “Be honest with yourself. What unpalatable truths might you be evading?”
The Pendle Hill pamphlet, “The Testimony of Integrity” (#296) by Wilmer A. Cooper lists four elements of the Testimony of Integrity including
● The first is truth telling or simply not telling lies.
● Second, integrity calls for authenticity, for genuineness and for veracity in one’s
personhood.
● Third, integrity calls for obedience, or if you prefer, faithfulness to conscience,
illuminated by the Light Within.
● Fourth, the root meaning of the word, “integrity,” calls for Wholeness. This calls us to be as consistent as possible.
In many ways, Friends’ testimony of integrity is the basis for our ability to speak our truths to whomever needs to hear our messages. Now, just as much as in the past, Friends are called to speak truth to power, and to avoid spreading misinformation and disinformation.
South Central Yearly Meeting, Faith and Practice, p.19
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