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A Regional Threshing session was held at Wilmington Friends School, Wilmington, Delaware, on 9th Month 30, 2001, to deal with Quaker response to tragic events of 9th Month 11, 2001. Twenty five persons were present, mostly from Wilmington Friends Meeting, but there were also 5 from other meetings. Michelle Avery was presiding clerk and Edward Kearns was recording clerk
After a silent worship period, the clerk addressed the subject of what we would like to say to Yearly Meeting, first personally, then as Quakers. One friend spoke of teaching a school class where she had suggested they should hold people, both victims and perpetrators, in the light. A student asked for clarification; she had thought holding in the light was internal; how could you hold someone inside you? The teacher suggested she think of this as holding someone in your heart. She realized later that this wasn't right, but felt that the best time to bring others into the light was when it was hardest to do so. Another friend felt strongly about holding those felt to be our enemies in the light as well; they were gravely misguided, but undoubtedly very human in their fanaticism, and very sincere, in their strongly held religious views.
After awhile, the clerk proposed having us meet in small groups of 3 or 4, in order to help us identify common themes. A number of friends objected that they didn't need to do that, to refine their thoughts, so it wasn't done. One attender quoted a speech of General Sherman, wherein he first said, "War is Hell," and thought it significant that generals, like Sherman and Eisenhower, who had seen war at its worst, were inveighing against it. One friend said that the people who were planning the attacks knew us very well; they knew which targeted events would disturb us most. Another friend was concerned about the terrorists among us, out for revenge; Jack Ruby killed Lee Harvey Oswald, in the passions after the assassination of President Kennedy. Another friend was concerned that the president and the press continue to use the word war.
The clerk asked what tasks we, as Quakers, are particularly led to take on. An example was given of Seattle Friends who have taken a mosque under their care; non-Arabs patrol the mosque throughout the day and night, and some escort women to go shopping. One friend suggested we could offer refuge for Islamic students who stay in our country. One friend said he was still having a hard time, striving to find "that of God" in everyone. Another friend discussed a book, "Quakers and Nazis," and pointed out that Quakers did good work in Germany, aiding Jews for example, but Nazis used the Quakers to make the rest of the world think that things couldn't be too bad because of Quaker activities. Another friend said this was a time to learn and listen. One friend described a negative reaction to flag displays; she felt we need a flag which shows the whole world, not just the U.S. Another friend wanted to know more about the conflict in Israel and Palestine; we need to know more about the international situation. One felt we should promote conflict awareness. It was proposed that in Afghanistan we could drop food, and first aid kits. There was gratification that other countries were joining with us, in an outpouring of support. Another felt we should individually write our congressmen and senators; that friend read a letter he had sent. One friend felt that our government had been doing pretty well so far, in toning down any hatred, and felt we needed to support the government. One friend proposed that Yearly Meeting set up working groups that might be the nucleus for each Meeting to educate itself; we need one on Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one on Religious Fundamentalism. Also need to understand our home-grown terrorists.
The clerk asked us to reflect on how the situation has affected, and yet might affect Monthly Meetings. One friend said there seemed to be few conflicts in our Monthly Meeting over this, but had noticed slightly greater attendance from Friends who have been away from Meeting for some time. One felt we might need to hire more staff at PYM, to set up new working groups. One felt we are talking so much about dealing with perpetrators of violence; we need to remember the victims in New York City. One friend liked Thomas Jeavons's letter in the Philadelphia Inquirer. One wondered how the 15th Street Meeting, in New York City, near the site of the attacks there, is dealing with all of this. One quoted from a book by Fran Peavey: she had gone all over the world, stopping at small areas, not just towns, and had put up a sign, "American willing to listen." Lines of people developed, as people wanted to talk about their ambivalent relationship with the U.S. It was hoped that we will make ourselves available for those wishing to speak to us. There was much discussion about why others hate Americans. One pointed out we still have capital punishment; all European countries, and most of the rest of the world, have abolished this, and hate us because we still have it. One friend suggested Yearly Meeting might make available to Monthly Meetings, persons who would come to speak to us about events of September 11. One friend said the worst divisions are yet to come; so far there's been talk of war but no bombs dropping. When the bombs begin to fall, divisions on the war/peace issue will emerge more strongly, and attacks on those considered unpatriotic will accelerate. One friend said Yearly Meeting should prepare resources to advise young men, in case of a draft. The clerk pointed out the training is going on in DC for draft counselors. One friend said we need to prepare for money needed for refugees, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. One mentioned domestic financial needs for those put out of work by the tragic events.
The meeting ended after a period of silent worship.
Respectfully submitted,Michelle Avery, Clerk
Edward Kearns, Recording Clerk
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM