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We convened in worship at 2:00 PM, Jack Mahon of Woodstown Meeting, clerking, Mario Cavallini of Mickleton Meeting, recording, and about 20 Friends in attendance.
Jack presented the agenda for the afternoon, after which we entered into an hour of open worship.
Jack then distributed a summary of the September 27th report of the PYM General Secretary to Interim Meeting, reporting the activities of the General Secretary and others on behalf of PYM Friends since the attacks. Chris Mahon, clerk of Interim Meeting, added that Interim Meeting minuted its appreciation for the Congresswoman who cast the only vote against the resolution supporting military response. She also noted feeling optimistic in the fact that Quakers are not alone in advocating peace; the voice of individuals and organizations are there to be heard, counseling empathy, patience, and justice without vengeance. Sandra Horne added that she was impressed with the trust shown at Interim Meeting in our Quaker leadership, that Thom Jeavons and others are in a place that is rightly led and reflecting our understanding. Jack noted, in balance, that our General Secretary is our employee and is responsive to our discernment, expressed in gatherings such as the present one.
American Friends Service Committee is considering contracting a public relations firm to assist in effectively communicating Quaker ideas to the national community.
Following a brief rest break, we gathered in groups of three to five, to discuss how we as individuals have been affected. From these groups, we hear of the difficulties faced by people in their teens and twenties, who are caught in the expectations of their elders, either to fight or to resist. There is a need for Meetings to reach out to young men and women, in Meeting and in the community, offering information, clearness, and support.
Also, there was a sense that Americans have not been aware of our impact in the world. The answer is not to argue politics, but to find ways to act constructively, to embody love.
As it happens, Greenwich Monthly Meeting had already arranged to have a speaker about Islam, and now welcomes the event more than ever. Other Meetings may find this worthwhile to do as well. Pendle Hill is devoting part of its Monday evening series to discussion of Islam.
Our Meetings are, to greater or lesser extent, dealing with their own confusion and conflicts in how to respond. In some cases, individuals’ views have changed dramatically from one week to the next. For those firmly convinced in the peace testimony, this diversity of views can be deeply upsetting. Likewise, those who feel a need for retaliation may feel stifled in Meeting. These polarities reflect the need for patience with ourselves, as we seek the Truth that we all individually perceive imperfectly.
In working with others individually, it is important to speak from our experience, to share our learnings and to allow their learnings.
Our Meetinghouses have been refuges for many Friends during the Gulf War. Now, it may be different; it may be our opportunity to provide refuge for others from the spirit of vengeance and militarism.
In terms of opportunities for witness and service, we reflected anew on the need to provide counsel and support for young people facing military conscription. We can also celebrate our local heroes: the firefighters, medics, and rescue volunteers.
The newfound agreement among American Friends organizations might be broadened to embrace Friends worldwide; Chris noted messages to PYM from other Friends meetings throughout the world. PYM in turn is sending minutes of support to New York and Washington Friends.
We may seek opportunities within our Meetings to renew our grounding in the peace testimony. The September 20th joint may be one basis for discussion.
We can also minister in our workplaces and other communities, gently and with acceptance, but offering a way forward.
One Friend expressed his convincement that we can speak to the puzzle of why God allows such tragedy with the knowledge that the Spirit triumphs in the here and now, in our own hearts from moment to moment.
Jack invited us to carry forward to the called session on November 10th, both by attending then and by forming recommendations now. In preparation, we encouraged our Monthly Meetings to thoroughly explore these issues. We also should be mindful of the dire need for humanitarian aid to the Afghani people, offering aid and promoting public awareness. One of the blessings of the cooperation of Quaker organizations is that we can utilize the strengths of our colleagues, such as AFSC and FCNL. Nonetheless, this should not hold us back from witnessing to our legislators ourselves. Indeed, witnessing in our daily lives, in ways familiar and extraordinary, to those in power and those in need, may take root in ways we will see later or not see at all. We also should not leave undiscussed the view that the pursuit of justice may require military involvement. In this discussion, may we be guided by a statement from the Hague Appeal for Peace: “We cherish the force of law, not the law of force.”
The minutes were read and, with corrections, approved. We concluded shortly after 5 PM.
Jack Mahon – clerk
Mario Cavallini – recording clerk
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM