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After introductions by the clerk and an explanation of Quaker worship by Laura Roberts to newcomers the meeting settled into silent worship for about one hour. At the rise of meeting small groups were formed to consider the first questions.
With 86 people, from Gwynedd Meeting and surrounding meetings, present at Gwynedd Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in Gwynedd Pennsylvania, the following questions were considered. Responses are printed in bold italics. Laura Roberts, clerk of Peace and Social Concerns Committee at Gwynedd, and Gary Lapreziosa from the same committee facilitated the large group discussion.
- Small Group: With two to three people in your group take a total of 20 min (5 min each) to share how you, personally, have been impacted by the events of September 11. What has it stirred in you in the way of feelings, questions, doubts and/or leadings toward action?
Disbelief; feeling of solidarity; this is a new era in history; there is a threat to civilization; anger; sadness; 'we are hated/envied'; questioning what provoked this attack; how can we prevent this? arrogance attracted this attack; pain; knowledge that this was an act of war; shock; how to keep Americans safe and America safe; justice; living with insecurity; fear of American military retaliation; adopting a more global view; we are a target of hatred that dates back to the Crusades; historical, ancient hatred; how do we live with the ensuing sense of insecurity.
Large Group: What opportunities do we see for being present to those in need? (In our meeting, community, country, world) What opportunities do we see for witnessing to the building of a peaceful and just world? Is there a message that Friends may be particularly suited and called to carry to our young people, to our neighbors and to our country.
- helping young people to understand the alternatives to military service; offering adult guidance concerning the peace testimony;
- provide psychological and emotional support to those who are feeling overwhelmed
- be a listening post wherever we are (work, meeting, school or home)
- gain an understanding of the Muslim culture and faith and the Eastern understanding of life
- helping children act on some of their beliefs, ex: participating in the CROP walk ("take away the occasion for war")
- how to integrate feelings of love of our faith and patriotism (for children's benefit and adults, too)
- understanding world view differences
- teach more AVP courses
- send letters to college and high school students supporting the pacifist point of view; Quaker students in public institutions are struggling to explain the alternatives to war to their peers and teachers
- provide a nurturing environment for Quakers in public schools
- draft counseling … with increased commitment and passion … especially with public high school students
- avoid demonizing
- acknowledge unity of all people
- recognize our common humanity
- being clear about the peace testimony (making sure we all understand its meaning)
- offer the opportunity for quiet and prayer by opening meetinghouses during the week
- strong follow up from this threshing session
- take an ad in a local newspaper to publish a statement on peace testimony
- stand fast in our beliefs as Friends to provide a witness to local communities
- write letters to major newspapers once a week expressing pacifist views
- peace vigils with a spiritual stance, rather than political
- maintain a peace presence online via a web site
- being explicit about peace testimony in Friends schools
- enlist and work with other religious bodies to determine common goals and values
- work through local ministeriums to join with other religious bodies
- support FCNL through financial donations to influence members of congress, especially to aid refugees which Friends historically have supported
- form connections with the congregations of other religious bodies, ex: have a pot luck supper and invite other congregations
- offer companionship to Americans of Arab origin to insure their sense of safety
- support any government actions that do support our beliefs and values
- support Quakers to run for office
- proceed with caution — frame the decisions via "what would Jesus do?"
- engage in dialogues to better inform ourselves of alternatives to the military
- talk among ourselves so we can better articulate our views, ex: FDS
- help publicize work of Quaker organizations such as the Quaker United Nations office, FCNL and AFSC
- give blood on an ongoing basis
- Visitors Day would provide a forum for extending invitations to local Muslims
- shop at stores and businesses owned by Arabs
- AFSC has list of Muslim speakers who are available to visit meetings
- start a tuition fund for children who lost both parents so children can attend a Quaker boarding school (coordinate through AFSC or Friends Council on Education?)
- buy land for the Palestinians, work toward ideas to end the conflict there
- a Peace Academy — to train people to be peacemakers
- pen pals
- support to Afghan refugees through AFSC
- understand the events of 9/11 as a crime, not an act of war.
As we carry this process forward, both returning to our own monthly meetings where discussion and discernment will continue, and anticipating a Called Session of Yearly Meeting on November 10, what are the issues, questions, and concerns which need to frame that further discernment and discussion?Summary: Following the example of George Fox, a radical presentation of a radical idea (the possibility of a culture of peace) is needed. We need to try non-violence in a larger way. Learn the principles of love and live them individually and collectively.
Five items were identified as key issues:
- Encouraging financial support for Quaker organizations such as AFSC and FCNL
- Supporting inter-religious collaboration and communication
- Counseling young people regarding alternatives to military service
- Continue what we have been doing with more passion and at a deeper level
- Providing financial support to orphans to attend Quaker schools
The questions regarding meeting for worship and safe place to talk were not addressed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 with 86 persons having been present
Respectfully submitted,
Constance A. Lezenby, clerk
Judy H. Flanigan, recording clerk
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM