|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
The Meeting assembled at the appointed hour and settled into open worship.
Clerk Arlene Kelly asked those of the facing bench to introduce themselves, and acknowledged the faithful service of the Annual Sessions Planning Group, co-clerked by Karen Hallowell, Annette Benert, and George Houghton. Visitors from other Yearly Meetings were welcomed.
- Minute 22: Epistle
Steve Gulick of the Epistle Working Group read excerpts from three epistles: from France Yearly Meeting, from Quaker Frontier Meeting (a gathering of many countries), and from the Committee for Ministry on Racism, of Friends General Conference.
The French epistle addressed encountering the “other,” whether the stranger from afar or the neighbor not well known. Frontier Meeting looked at the events of September 11th, seeking understanding, listening and dialogue, building to a world of peace and equality. The FGC Committee wrote of efforts to address racism within FGC, stating that their best work has resulted from surrendering to the leadership and love of God.
- Minute 23: Six Months After 9/11
The Clerk opened this session’s discussion, entitled “Six Months After 9/11,” acknowledging the service of Libby Marsh, who is turning clerkship of the Standing Committee on Peace and Concerns over to Howard Cell. Arlene also spoke of the care with which she has approached the planning of this session.
This afternoon’s session was the latest step in a continuum that embraces our called session of November 2001 and the many efforts and prayers of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, and committees and working groups. Much of value has been done, yet this is not a time for reports. No matter how much we have done, we live in the sense that more is asked. And more is pending, such as consideration of whether to appoint a peace secretary (an issue that is being wrestled with by Interim Meeting), as well as other opportunities.
- Minute 24: Friends World Committee for Consultation’s Call for a Special Consultation
Arlene asked Elizabeth Gates to bring before us a minute from Friends World Committee for Consultation, Section of the Americas, out of their annual meeting on March 14-17, 2002. The Section has been greatly concerned about the growing dangers of global war and terrorism, and has issued a call to pray and listen for God’s leading, and to assemble in a “special consultation.” Only four special consultations have been called by FWCC. In this time of chaos and possible catastrophe, Friends are called to labor for peace and healing, to seek out God in the midst of turmoil, to wait upon and advocate the vision of God’s peace. FWCC also calls for cooperation with the historic peace churches and pacific branches of other faiths. Arlene noted that the call for a special consultation is new and details of form and support have yet to be developed.
From the body of Meeting, we were told of a similar meeting being called by Pendle Hill, to be held at the Arch Street Meeting House, May 3-5. FWCC might wish to coordinate with Pendle Hill. A Friend speaking in support of the FWCC minute recalled involvement in other peace efforts, their value particularly for young people, and his seeking for prayerful means of public witness.
Liz emphasized the need to wait for God’s guidance, citing both promising efforts to connect with other peace churches and false starts in that direction.
Those assembled agreed to refer collaboration – with all appropriate Friends groups and others who might participate in this effort – to Standing Committee for Peace and Concerns, directing that Standing Committee should work in close consultation with FWCC Section of the Americas and keep Yearly Meeting informed of progress.
Arlene reminded us of our resolve in our called session to become more deeply grounded in the peace testimony; to support our young people, both in regard to possible military conscription and simply in facing a violent world; to work cooperatively with other faiths; and to strive for greater understanding of the roots of the anger toward America.
- Minute 25: Support of Ramallah Friends Meeting
The Clerk next brought forward another opportunity for service and witness. As a fruit of our inviting Jean Zaru to speak in our sessions, we have been made aware by others of severe damage to the Ramallah Friends Meetinghouse. Before this session, Arlene asked Jean to meet with members of our staff about ways that the need for repairs might be addressed. It should be clear that Jean did not come to Philadelphia seeking to raise funds.
Next, Arlene invited Thom Jeavons, General Secretary of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, to outline some possible actions. Thom explained the need. The Ramallah Meetinghouse has been an evident Friends presence for almost 100 years, serving as a community center and a resource for peace activities. Due to damage, the meetinghouse has been closed for five years and may soon be lost altogether. The Meeting itself has been unable to use the meetinghouse.
Ramallah’s need may be an opening for PYM to act in service to the Spirit. It can also be a witness of constructive action in a region where American resources have too often been destructive. PYM has experience in helping meetings, and Ramallah Meeting needs help.
Thom asked whether we could commit to a partnership with Ramallah Friends Meeting. An immediate need is to restore the roof, which would cost $40,000 to $50,000. This would be but the beginning of a relationship that includes personal presence in Ramallah. The specifics obviously would require considered investigation and discernment over time.
In discussion, a Friend encouraged us to coordinate with Friends United Meeting, with which Ramallah has worked in the past. Also, Ramallah is a member of Middle East Yearly Meeting. Unfortunately, due to events in the region, that yearly meeting rarely has met.
Jean Zaru explained that the monthly meeting has been shrinking and peace activities have dwindled, in part due to the unavailability of the meetinghouse. Many local and international organizations need a base for activities in the region, a need that the meetinghouse may once again fulfill. She also noted the anxiety of visitors over the current state of the meetinghouse and the concern of other American Friends for repairs.
From the body, we were encouraged to send not just money, but people. It was noted that this situation is rich in potential for Quaker leadership, fulfilling an immediate and longterm need, acting not just as a few, but as a body beyond those in the meeting room today. The opportunity stretches beyond building a roof, to building a relationship with Palestinian Friends and the Palestinian people, also reaching to the Israeli peace community. In this regard, Arlene recalled the statement, no person is our enemy.
A Friend reminded us of the need to speak truth to power, particularly to our national government.
Howard Cell, incoming clerk of Peace and Concerns Standing Committee, pointed out that the long term activities would be intensive in time and skills, which we can provide, but only if we have the involvement and support of our monthly meetings.
One Friend offered a vision of Ramallah Friends Meetinghouse as a meeting place for Vice President Cheney and other leaders to negotiate peace.
Those assembled approved…
- that we issue $40-50,000 to Ramallah Friends Meeting for immediate repairs to stop deterioration of the building,
- that we undertake with others the raising of further funds for other necessary repairs,
- that we commit to a partnership with Ramallah Friends (if, of course, Ramallah Friends Meeting also desires such a relationship),
- that we coordinate with Friends United Meeting, Friends General Conference, and other Friends organizations in these efforts,
- and that we ask the Standing Committee for Peace and Concerns to carry forward development of this partnership, so that it not devolve into an easy but empty gesture.
Placing this concern with the Standing Committee should not remove the weight of it from the rest of us. Peace and Concerns was encouraged to work with other bodies of Yearly Meeting.
While we respond to the urgency of this call, we should also make sure our progress is well led in the Spirit and well seasoned. Part of this is the faithful communication of our sense here today to our monthly meetings, a task to be borne by each of us.
This effort should also include cooperation with and support of the Israeli peace community.
- Minute 26: Support of Children and Young Friends
After a break, the Clerk called on Martha (Marty) Smith (director of Religious Education for PYM) and Claire Wilson (clerk of Children and Young People at Yearly Meeting – CYPYM), who spoke about supporting the children in Yearly Meeting as they find their way in the world after September 11th.
Claire explained how this year’s CYPYM planning evolved. Initial planning in September was overshadowed by the immediate turmoil. From this, they sought to develop tools for dealing with loss and healing, striving to not focus on the political events, but rather on daily events of family and community.
Marty recounted various requests for guidance in parenting and teaching. In many of the requests was a sense of immobilization: from shock, from uncertainty, from protectiveness, and from the need to do their best as parents. Children in the early days and even today need to process the events in play and in discussion. One thing parents felt clear about was the need to be at home and supportive of their children.
Arlene next introduced Nancy Diaz-Svalgard, the new adult co-clerk of the Young Friends Program. Nancy replaces Mike Ayars, who has served faithfully for years in that capacity. Friends minuted their appreciation for Mike’s service. Young Friends present on the facing bench were introduced: Cliff Smoot (also co-clerk of Young Friends), Ben Waxman, and Andrew Esser-Haines. On behalf of Young Friends, Ben presented a minute seeking Yearly Meeting endorsement of a national peace march, “Stop the War at Home and Abroad”:
On Saturday, February 23rd, Young Friends assembled in Meeting for Worship with a concern for Business. Recognizing that Friends strive to see that of God in everyone, and that the idea of war is contradictory to this belief, Young Friends have chosen to endorse the national peace march that will occur on April 20th in Washington DC. Sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, as well as a host of other peace and justice organizations, it presents a wonderful opportunity for concerned individuals to raise their collective voices for reconciliation and nonviolence. Together, we demand the following actions:
- A U.S. foreign policy based upon social and economic justice, not military and corporate oppression.
- An end to racial profiling and military recruitment targeting youth of color and working class youth.
- Government funding for programs to benefit the economic victims of the 9-11 attacks and the recession.
- An end to the degrading and secret imprisonment of immigrants.
- Increased funding for non-military-based financial aid for education.
- Full disclosure of military contracts with universities.
We join with the Muslim Student Association and other religious youth groups in this action. We urge Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as a whole to seriously consider joining us in this endeavor. We also encourage individuals to seek more information about the march, which can be found at www.a20stopthewar.org.
Ben described the roots of this minute as a concern about the spreading web of violence in the world, and the need to promote dignity, reconciliation, understanding, and justice.
Arlene emphasized that endorsement of the march entails a commitment to support the march, which could include publicity efforts beforehand and other expenses, and putting people on the bus in April. The Young Friends minute did not request funding; however, such would be helpful.
Organizers of the march are taking precautions to preserve proper manner of nonviolent demonstration, including provision of training and guidelines as well as volunteer marshals to maintain order.
A Friend encouraged participants in the march to carry an American flag, in order to not leave this symbol of patriotism to just one band of political views.
Those assembled approved endorsing the march, which was appreciated enthusiastically. Friends also approved asking financial contributions from the body today, although at least one Friend was troubled by the appearance of a collection. Such contributions were strictly a matter of personal decision. Ben noted that, while cash was welcome, the most important contribution would be participation in the march.
One Friend suggested that appropriate follow-through would include support of Friends Committee on National Legislation and other vehicles of Friends’ witness at the national level.
The minutes were then read and, with corrections, approved. Announcements were read and, after a brief period of worship, the Meeting adjourned, to reconvene at 7 p.m.
Mario Cavallini, recording clerk
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM