QUERIES ON INTEGRITY
For Friends, having integrity means being authentic and having consistency between one’s values and one’s actions. Lack of integrity separates us from our own soul, from the Light within, and from our community.
Friends deal honestly with all others and with oneself. Quakers try to live according to the deepest truth they know, which they believe comes from God. This means speaking the truth to all, including people in positions of power.
Friends do not take oaths when appearing in a court of law, rejecting the idea that there is one standard of truth for daily living and another for the court.
We deal honestly and fairly with everyone, equally. We take responsibility for our actions and their results. We fulfill our commitments, and we give credit to others for their contributions.
While acting on our deepest beliefs and values, we are also open to new ideas, new solutions, and new paths. We know that our understanding at any moment is incomplete, at best an approximation of the truth that may be improved by new insights and experiences.
1. Do I keep my promises? Am I fair with others?
2. How do my actions with other people reflect my beliefs and values? Am I comfortable with all of my actions? Why/why not?
3. How do my actions with the environment reflect my beliefs and values? Am I comfortable with all of my actions? Why/why not?
4. How can I listen with an open mind to others’ experiences?
5. How can I speak my truth so that those who disagree with me can hear it?
6. Are there times when I feel I am not being my “real self” with others? How does that make me feel? Is there some way I can change that so that my inner self and outer self are the same?