Canadian Friends Service Committee

The Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1931 as the peace and social justice agency of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, in Canada. It serves as a collaborative platform for Quakers across the country to advocate for and enact long-term sustainable change aligned with Quaker values such as simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and respect for all creation[1][4].

History

CFSC was founded when members of the three Canadian Quaker Yearly Meetings sought a joint vehicle to advance their peace and social justice concerns. Fred Haslam played a pivotal role in organizing CFSC and served as its executive secretary for 25 years, guiding its work especially on world peace and the abolition of capital punishment[1].

During World War II and its aftermath, CFSC participated in relief work in Europe. The broader Religious Society of Friends was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 in recognition of their war-time service, which also honored the efforts of CFSC[1].

In the 1950s and 60s, CFSC supported international relief and development projects, including work with Friends Rural Centre in Rasulia, India. The Committee operated the Friends Peace Education Centre on Grindstone Island from 1963 to 1976[3].

CFSC has a history of providing aid during conflicts irrespective of sides, exemplified by sending medical assistance to all victims of the Vietnam War between 1959 and 1963, at times in defiance of U.S. laws. It also welcomed American draft resisters during the Vietnam War era[1][3].

In 1976, Canadian Friends and CFSC contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in Canada and subsequently broadened their focus to transformative justice, including prison reform and the development of alternatives to incarceration[2].

Since 2003, CFSC has assisted American soldiers and their families who sought refuge in Canada after refusing to participate in the Iraq War[1].

In 2014, CFSC was invited as a non-Indigenous intervener in the Supreme Court of Canada for the landmark Tsilhqot'in Nation land rights case, advocating for Indigenous rights consistent with international human rights standards. The Court ultimately recognized Tsilhqot'in control over their traditional lands[1].

Mission and Vision

CFSC envisions a world grounded in dignity, justice, peace, human rights, and harmonious relationships with creation. Its mission is to alleviate suffering and promote transformative, sustainable approaches to human rights, justice, and peace through practical assistance, research, education, and policy dialogue[4].

Activities and Approach

CFSC’s work encompasses:

• Providing direct practical assistance to communities in need.
• Engaging in policy dialogue with decision-makers on issues of peace and justice.
• Conducting research and analysis on relevant social and political issues.
• Undertaking outreach and educational initiatives to inform and engage the public.

All activities are rooted in Quaker faith and practices, emphasizing collaboration with communities, nonprofit organizations, and government bodies[4].

Legacy

CFSC remains a vital expression of Quaker commitment to peace and social justice in Canada, continuing to address contemporary challenges through the lens of Quaker testimonies and historical experience[1][4].