Minute 2001–59

We then reconsidered the following revised minute from Peace & Social Concerns, on our opposition to the National Missile Defense System.

We the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends, oppose the National Missile Defense (NMD), Theatre Missile Defense (TMD), and all other military uses of space. We oppose preparation for war for reasons that transcend technical feasibility, military strategy, and politics. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is deeply rooted in a peace testimony. We believe that the nation and the world will never be made safe by war, threats of war, or reliance on military and coercive methods—only peaceful relationships between peoples make global security possible.

We believe the creation of NMD is likely to make the world much less safe, by directly contravening the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty and potentially igniting a new and frightening arms race. We are also concerned that the enormous costs of these systems will direct resources from efforts to bring social and economic justice to peoples all over the world.

Therefore, the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends urges all Friends to educate themselves and their communities on the dangers of these weapons and work to end their use. Further, we call on the Administration and Congress of the United States of America to stop all research, development, and deployment of these weapons.

With one Friend standing aside, Friends approved this minute. The Clerk will send this minute to all New England members of Congress, and to the President. It will also be included on our YM web site.