Margaret Fell, one of the founders of Quakerism.

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) arose in England 350 years ago, believing that there is an Inner Light or “that of God”, in every human being, and that everyone could have a direct unmediated experience of the Spirit. Our commitment to equality, peace (including pacifism), simplicity, community and integrity flow out of these fundamental principles.  ”Promptings of love and truth in our hearts” are the source of the Quaker commitment to human rights, global justice, prison abolition, sustainability and peace.

Founded in 1931, Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC) addresses the peace and social concerns of Canadian Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Canada (read a brief history of our 80 year journey).

Rooted in our Quaker faith, CFSC is guided by a vision of a world in which peace and justice prevail, where the causes of war and oppression are removed, a world in which the whole of Creation is treated with respect and where individuals and communities are freed to reach their fullest potential.

Our areas of work

CFSC’s work includes:

• educational initiatives;
• support of effective small-scale projects overseas and in Canada that build sustainable communities and address Quaker concerns;
• public policy engagement with governmental and other decision-makers.

On areas of common ground, CFSC works with other Quaker service agencies world wide and within the Canadian ecumenical social justice community (ex. Project Ploughshares, KAIROS, Church Council on Justice and Corrections).

Relationship with supporters

“Seeing what love will do” (William Penn, Quaker), means that Quaker work is rooted in relationships, be they with communities in Africa or with our supporters in Canada (visit “How We Work” section of website).

CFSC depends on the generosity of individuals. Quaker Concern, our quarterly newsletter, shares information about our work with 3,000 donors and supporters. Sign up for CFSC publications by emailing cfsc [at] quakerservice.ca

CFSC receives support from Quaker Meetings and, occasionally, from foundations and government bodies such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Canadian Friends Service Committee is a federally registered charity (Charitable Number: 13214 6549 RR0001) and a federally registered Not-For-Profit Corporation. Charitable receipts are issued for donations over $10.00.

To support CFSC’s work, visit our donations page.