Download or read book Silence and Witness written by Michael Lawrence Birkel and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Quaker spiritual tradition integrates mystical insight with prophetic witness. Michael Birkel tells the story of the movement's origins, describes how the distinctive Quaker practice of group worship in silence developed, and explains how "collective discernment" is used in decision-making. He explores the historical development of the "testimonies", the ethical stands taken by Quakers for peace, justice, equality, integrity and simplicity.