Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Addressing Racism

A Message Regarding State Sanctioned Violence from Fellowship of Friends of African Descent

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The Fellowship of Friends of African Descent was formed at a Gathering at Pendle Hill in Pennsylvania in 1990. It arose among a group of committed Friends out of a desire for Quakers of African descent to get to know each other. It was incorporated with the following mission statement in 1991:

  • To publish and respond to the concerns of Friends of African descent within the Religious Society of Friends.
  • To provide for the nurture of Friends of African descent, their families and friends.
  • To address and respond to issues affecting people of African descent in their communities.

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Black Lives Matter: Quaker Schools Share Powerful Messages and Resources

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Over the past week, people have been assembling in peace to express grief and voice concern over police brutality and racism in the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky; and Ahmaud Arbery in Southeastern Georgia.

Like many monthly meetings, Friends School communities were deeply affected by these issues. As a result, school administrations and trustees at schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware published powerful messages on their websites that were centered in the Quaker belief that there is that of God in everyone and Friends’ testimony of Equality. These have been basic tenets of the faith since the time of Margaret Fell and George Fox.

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Talking About Racial Injustice with Children

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Our children are watching, and listening, and learning. This is a deeply challenging time. Families are experiencing a global pandemic that has changed the shape of home and school life. There is economic uncertainty and hardship. Our children are watching and experiencing a nationwide response of fury and protest after the latest tragedies in centuries of Black lives brutally taken. For those of us who live with children and serve young people in our work, it is a moment to be present to them. [Read more…] about Talking About Racial Injustice with Children

Black Lives Matter: A Pastoral Care Message

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The shocking killings of unarmed African American men and women by the police continue to deeply distress and disturb Friends everywhere, though none more so than Friends of color—who may be feeling too unsafe and threatened to even go about their day-to-day lives.

The police brutality and the social unrest experienced in the wake of protests in response to these atrocities have created an atmosphere of fear in which many feel unsupported and alone.

These recent events have occurred during a global pandemic whose deadly outcomes and economic privations have dis-proportionally affected people of color and their communities. [Read more…] about Black Lives Matter: A Pastoral Care Message

National Council of Churches Statement on George Floyd

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Philadelphia Yearly Meeting participates on the board of the National Council of Churches (NCC) along with 36 other religious communities and Friends United Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. NCC was formed in the 1950’s and PYM’s General Secretary is tasked to connect with and serve this larger faith community’s board.

Overall the NCC serves 45 million people in over 100,000 congregations in the United States. Our shared fellowship expands our yearly meeting’s capacity to engage with other churches on issues of national importance to Faith communities. Below is their May 29th Statement on George Floyd: [Read more…] about National Council of Churches Statement on George Floyd

What Can I Do? Message From Our Newest Collaborative

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Do these words ring true for you? “What can I do? I feel the frustration and pain and want to help, but I’m at a loss of how to do that.” We, on the newly approved Antiracism Collaborative (ARC), have heard your voice, even if it’s a whisper in your heart. We can support the efforts of those who are showing up to lift up the discomfort and the pain and we can continue to support the communities that need our help.

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Threshing Session on Membership Minutes of Appreciation

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The Quaker Life Council approved the following minutes of appreciation as a sincere expression of gratitude to the Friends who facilitated the recent January 26 Threshing Session on Membership and to the monthly meeting that hosted. In addition to continuing a process of discernment about membership that has had many years of seasoning in our wider yearly meeting, this was an opportunity for intervisitation during which Friends from across our yearly meeting community could join a meeting for its worship on Sunday and take part in its community life. Intervisitation is an important part of Quaker tradition because it serves to reinforce the bonds we need in spiritual growth.

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Making a Difference: Black Quaker History

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February is Black History Month and there are Quakers of color who have delivered much to our modern world through their faith and advocacy. Knowing the past opens a door to the future that is framed within diversity and inclusivity. Our understanding of America’s history is deepened by the contributions of African Americans who struggled for freedom and equality.

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Diversity & Equity in Our Meetings

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What Happened at the Recent Thread Gathering on Diversity and Equity in Our Meetings and the World, and Next Steps

The February 2020 PYM Thread Gathering on Diversity and Equity in Our Meetings and the World was a day-long workshop that explored the spiritual foundation of the work of healing racism.  Facilitated by Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting members .O and Dana Reinhold, and Francis Elling, a member of Unity Meeting and attender at Ujima Friends Peace Center and CPMM, the workshop focused in particular on building our personal readiness to transform as we uncover what is needed for our Meetings to become truly equitable and inclusive.

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