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. The promptings of love and truth in our hearts is the source of the Quaker commitment to human rights, global justice, prison abolition, sustainability and peace.

Founded in 1931, Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC) carries out work related to 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 on peace, environmental issues, restorative justice (including victim’s rights and prison abolition), human rights, Indigenous rights (a specific area of human rights), peace-building, international development, economic alternatives,campaigns and policy issues, and Quaker testimonies and witness;
• support of effective small-scale projects overseas and in Canada that help build sustainable communities as well as address Quaker concerns, such as peace in the Middle East and in Africa;
• public policy engagement with governmental and other decision-makers on issues of concern, such as human rights (including conscientious objection to war), corporate responsibility, peace, restorative justice, and Indigenous rights.

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”, a phrase of William Penn (a Quaker), means that Quaker work is rooted in relationships, be they with communities in Africa or with our supporters at home (for more information, visit “How We Work” section of website).

CFSC depends principally on the generosity of individuals. Quaker Concern, our quarterly newsletter, brings news of our activities to 3,000 donors and supporters.

CFSC also receives support from Quaker Meetings and, occasionally, from foundations. When objectives coincide, CFSC partners with 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.