Faith D’Urbano on Febuary 4 submitted a letter to the Lancaster Newspaper’s editor addressing Senators Fetterman and McCormick regarding an imminent vote on funding the Department of Homeland Security. While hoping for the letter to be published, she shared it with Lancaster Friends Peace and Social Concerns Committee and with members of Downingtown Friends Peace and Social Concerns Committee.
She attends both meetings and previously attended London Grove Friends Meeting, where she received her first welcome into Quaker community. She is also a retired and active Episcopal priest. “There’re quite a few reverends sitting in these Quaker meetings,” she quipped.
The letter, signed “Rev. Faith D’Urbano, West Chester, PA,” was published. When she shared it with the committees, she asked, “Is it appropriate to post the letter – and note my membership in the Peace and Social Concerns Committees – on our Meeting’s e-news / google group?” She said their answers were direct and supportive. “Post. Of course, say you’re connected to the meeting.” She added, “It’d be great to have Peace and Social Concerns name noted.”
Faith D’Urbano on Febuary 4 submitted a letter to the Lancaster Newspaper’s editor addressing Senators Fetterman and McCormick regarding an imminent vote on funding the Department of Homeland Security. While hoping for the letter to be published, she shared it with Lancaster Friends Peace and Social Concerns Committee and with members of Downingtown Friends Peace and Social Concerns Committee.
She attends both meetings and previously attended London Grove Friends Meeting, where she received her first welcome into Quaker community. She is also a retired and active Episcopal priest. “There’re quite a few reverends sitting in these Quaker meetings,” she quipped.
The letter, signed “Rev. Faith D’Urbano, West Chester, PA,” was published. When she shared it with the committees, she asked, “Is it appropriate to post the letter – and note my membership in the Peace and Social Concerns Committees – on our Meeting’s e-news or google group?” She said their answers were direct and supportive. “Post. Of course, say you’re connected to the meeting.” She added, “It’d be great to have Peace and Social Concerns name noted.”
The Letter is as Follows "Urges U.S. Senators to Do Their Job" Attention, U.S. Sens. David McCormick and John Fetterman: In my view, the lack of action by Congress in the face of the Trump administration’s accelerating disregard for national and international immigration guardrails constitutes congressional dereliction of duty. The refusal by elected members of Congress to undertake their proper role and responsibilities will be deemed by history to be pure and unforgivable folly. In order to protect the rights of persons as outlined by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, I strongly entreat you, Sens. McCormick and Fetterman, to hold firm against new funding of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement until basic and permanent ICE policy and practice reforms are instituted. Congress has not only the power to approve or restrict funding appropriations — it also has the power to pull back congressionally approved money that was previously allocated. This control of the purse is a critical function of Congress’ authority and oversight. Please consider that Department of Homeland Security monies are better spent to strengthen our country’s cybersecurity and emergency disaster response — both now essentially under-resourced due to funding being directed into Homeland Security’s focus on mass arrests, detention and deportation. I and many people of this land bid you courage to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, in faithful discharge of the duties of your offices. The Rev. Faith D’Urbano West Chester Chester County Faith D'Urbano is a member of the Peace and Social Concerns committees of Downingtown Friends and Lancaster Friends Meetings.
On the connection between the letter and her faith, she shared “It’s everything,” Faith said. “Quakers combine their life with their faith and practice. That’s it, faith and practice.” She described how the letter formed. “The thing wrote itself and then it got polished,” she continued. “It’s sort of like quaking, you know, you gotta speak something and it won’t go away. It just comes up from the middle of you.” Faith also shared, “It’s the spirit at work.”
Faith has written letters before on climate, school funding, and reasonable gun legislation. This letter stood out to Faith because of how she addressed the legislators. “It was done in a way that calls into account the responsibility of the legislators, but it also supports them,” Faith said. The closing line reflected that approach. “I and many people of the country bid you courage in fulfilling the duties of your office.” Faith added, “You don’t just yell.”
Faith shared on prating public witness, “I often ask a question.” She described bringing a concern to committee during a time when her meeting had not yet publicly addressed a difficult situation in the community. “Is this a situation for which the voice – and experience – of Quakers is essential, needed, and, in which our silence is booming?” She restated the point. “Not to say anything, says something. What is it that Quakers wants to be heard saying?”
Faith did share some advice on writing a “letter to the editor,” she advises the follow practices for the letter to be “Clear, concise, respectful… Make certain to get your facts right for sure.” She also advised, “Sit with it, season it, let it move in you, and see what comes up to the top so that it’s less out of emotional reactivity.” She wants a letter to hold conviction, not only reaction. “Make sure it affirms who you are and what you believe in.” She said, “Not just … I better spit at the egregious stuff that’s happening.”
