Blessings, f/Friends throughout the world from the 346th Annual Sessions of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. We were embraced as family by Cheyney University, the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States, which was founded as an act of reparation by Friend, Richard Humphreys. In this time when we are so horrified by the cruelty we’re witnessing in our country, to be so Held as beloved guests by these neighbors is a balm. [Read more…] about Epistle from the 346th Annual Sessions of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Governance & Stewardship
Interview with Tara Rubinstein: Listening, Making Connections, and Building Relationships
For a decade, Tara Rubinstein has served Philadelphia Yearly Meeting by coordinating Annual and Continuing Sessions, Thread Gatherings, and other events held online and in person. Her work has included schedules, spaces, technology, registration, and the many details needed for Friends to participate.
Many Friends have come to know Tara through these gatherings and through her service to PYM. As she ends her time on staff, she has shared reflections on the past decade and what comes next. [Read more…] about Interview with Tara Rubinstein: Listening, Making Connections, and Building Relationships
Upper Susquehanna Quarterly Meeting Invites all Friends for its Annual Fall Family Gathering | Press Release
Upper Susquehanna Quarterly Meeting invites all Friends, members and attenders, along with families, seekers, nature lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about community, to gather for its annual Fall Family Gathering at Crystal Lake Camp in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. [Read more…] about Upper Susquehanna Quarterly Meeting Invites all Friends for its Annual Fall Family Gathering | Press Release
New Child and Youth Safety Policy for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
At the recent joint council meeting Philadelphia Yearly Meeting staff shared the revised Child and Youth Safety Policy noting the guidance of leadership, reviews by others, and editing by lawyers. The policy is materially the same as before. [Read more…] about New Child and Youth Safety Policy for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
June 2026 | Joint Council Update
On Saturday, June 13, the three councils that support Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM)—Quaker Life Council, Administrative Council, and Nominating Council—held their meeting in the joint format. In this structure, all three councils meet together as one Joint Council to worship, discern, and conduct business collaboratively. Their practice is to share the minutes in a news story with the PYM community in the weeks following the meeting.
The Original 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery Is On View at Arch Street Meeting House | Press Release
The Original 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery is on view at Arch Street Meeting House The original 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery will be on view from June 29 to August 9, 2026. The 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery was last publicly exhibited in the summer of 2007 at the National Constitution Center. This Summer, it will return to Arch Street Meeting House for the first time since 2006, where it was discovered after its nearly two-century disappearance from the historical record. [Read more…] about The Original 1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery Is On View at Arch Street Meeting House | Press Release
May 2026 | Joint Council Update
On Saturday, May 9, the three councils that support Philadelphia Yearly Meeting—Quaker Life Council, Administrative Council, and Nominating Council—held their meeting in the joint format. In this structure, all three councils meet together as one Joint Council to worship, discern, and conduct business collaboratively. Their practice is to share the minutes in a news story with the PYM community in the weeks following the meeting.
Each month, the council selects one item from its agenda or conversation to lift up. This the highlight was provided by Chris Mohr, General Secretary of PYM on how Joint Council affirms relationship of monthly and quarterly meetings with yearly meeting
National Council of Churches Update
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is a member of the National Council of Churches (NCC), a coalition of faith communities that works together on issues that affect people facing hardship. Through this affiliation, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting stays connected with other churches and shared efforts that reach beyond our region. [Read more…] about National Council of Churches Update
This Past Spring Around the Yearly Meeting
This past month, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting staff and volunteers worked hard to support and uplift our Quaker community. Here are just a few of their stories. [Read more…] about This Past Spring Around the Yearly Meeting
The Annual Sessions Planner
The Annual Sessions Planner contains information to help prepare you for the events and activities during our time together as a yearly meeting. Theses sections provide details for joining online, commuting, or staying on campus at Cheyney University. [Read more…] about The Annual Sessions Planner
