Evil can only be fought and conquered by self-giving friendship. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Evil can only be fought and conquered by self-giving friendship. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Quaker peace testimonies resounded throughout Britain in reaction to the devastating violence and atrocities of the Spanish Civil War, in contrast to those who wanted to take up arms against the fascists responsible for those atrocities. Though the date of printing of this poster is unknown, its messages can be read in conversation with the Quaker peace propaganda distributed during the Spanish Civil War. The Quakers argue for what is now called a “positive peace,” cultivated through social justice and universal love for all of humankind. According to Quaker belief, each person’s Inner Light can be reached through love and friendship, and thus evil can be overcome through these connections. This poster underscores the religious nature of the Quaker’s argument by including the imagery of the Christian cross. The message also suggests that participating in violence, as many International Brigaders did, would result in being overcome by evil. Altogether, the peace testimony argues that nonviolent action against evil and violence is an act of resistance to war as well as an active promotion of “positive peace.”

Northern Friends Peace Board and the Friends Peace Committee

Chelsea Richardson

Poster