 November/December 2001 (XXXIX 5) |
s Quaker institutions and communities, Friends schools have played a critical role during this time of profound devastation, pain and suffering. Involvement in a Quaker community has provided Friends and non-Friends alike with a supportive structure and a solidly-grounded tradition for responding in ways that have felt life-affirming, somehow, in the midst of darkness.
When the news broke of the attacks of September 11, Friends schools across the country instinctively knew how to respond: by gathering their communities together in meeting for worship and worship sharing. In the greater Philadelphia area, many schools hold regularly-scheduled worship on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, which provided an ideal timing and context for the sharing, grieving, searching and praying that needed a vehicle for expression. Many schools responded to the tragedy by consulting with students, parents and staff about a Quaker-inspired process for responding and helping children to cope with the implications and the sheer proportions of the events.
In numerous Friends school communities, the multiple dimensions of patriotism and the symbolism of the U.S. flag became points of contention and opportunities for extra-curricular learning. Larry Boggess, Head of State College Friends School (PA), responded to questions by parents with an educational piece, "Where is the American flag at Friends school?" Larry van Meter, Head of Moorestown Friends School (NJ), convened a "teach-in" for his faculty on the history and meaning of the Quaker Peace Testimony. Similarly, Rich Nourie, Acting Head of Germantown Friends School, wrote a powerful piece to school parents about the living legacy of the Peace Testimony, and its enduring relevance for us today. Students at Abington Friends School launched a campaign to write to President Bush and other government leaders to urge restraint.
The Friends Council on Education (FCE) gathered a collection of many responses of Friends schools from across the country, and compiled them in a document within days of the initial event. This publication, entitled "Coping Strategies and Positive Action: A Sharing of Friends' Initial Responses to the September 11th Tragedy," is available for $6 from FCE by calling 215-241-7245 or visiting their website: www.friendscouncil.org. FCE Director Irene McHenry of Millville Meeting (PA) spoke glowingly of our Friends schools' collective response: "We have been deeply touched by the strong positive voice of calm and creative problem solving." Friends are encouraged to contact FCE for information about resources and further responses by Friends schools as world events unfold.
Tom Hoopes
Central Philadelphia Meeting
PYM Coordinator of Education Programs
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM