Madam, - "Did they ever make up a religion that couldn't be misinterpreted as slaughtering people you don't agree with?" asks Martyn Turner's cartoon child (August 12th).
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has since its foundation (1652/54) held a testimony that war and the preparation for war are inconsistent with the spirit of Christ.
Quakers believe that, in the words of the founder George Fox, they are called to live "in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars".
Adherence to this peace testimony has, over the centuries, resulted in Quakers being imprisoned for refusal to bear arms or comply with military conscription. Equally important is the positive aspect of this witness, which involves Quakers in many countries in mediation and reconciliation, in working for disarmament, in relief work and the right sharing of the world's resources.
The resolution of conflict does not have to involve the taking of lives. - Yours, etc,
GILLIAN ARMSTRONG, Bass Place, Dublin 2.