Quakers are known for their peace witness and active opposition to all forms of violence: "We totally oppose all wars, all preparation for war, all use of weapons and coercion by force and all military alliances.

"No end could ever justify such means. We equally and actively oppose all that leads to violence among people and nations and violence to other species and to our planet.

"Refusal to fight with weapons is not surrender. We are not passive when threatened by the greedy, the cruel, the tyrant, the unjust" (Quaker Faith and Practice 24.10).

We in Brighton are actively supporting various local and national demonstrations against a possible war with Iraq, such as the meeting at Brightelm today, the national demonstration in London on February 15 and the peace march in Brighton on March 1.

If hostilities commence, we will be holding a candle-lit vigil at 6pm at the Meeting House on that day. We invite everyone to come - bring a candle.

We urge everyone to join us in actively demonstrating against the war.

The Archbishops of both Anglican and Catholic communities have announced their opposition to a war that can only exacerbate international tensions and fail to resolve the real causes of distrust and injustice.

The situation appears so serious to us we feel people of every faith (and none) should unite to send the message that there is another way.

-Jane Rosenberg, Sheila Boyer and Jamie Crofts, Co-clerks, Brighton Preparative Meeting, Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton