Since starting as General Secretary of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in November, I have been blessed to visit many Friends meetings around Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to worship and to listen to how the Spirit is moving among us. And I have more visits coming up!
I’ve been so enlivened by expectantly waiting in worship and hearing all that you are doing as Friends in the world. The combination is powerful. It gives the Quaker way real staying power.
I have also heard from many Friends about their anguish at the terrible wars and violence going on in our country and around the world. And while all wars are chosen by those who initiate them, the current war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran seems like a particularly blatant example of governments choosing war over peace.
Fortunately, many Friends organizations have spoken out eloquently for peace and against the Iran war: American Friends Service Committee, Friends Committee on National Legislation, the Quaker UN Office, and many monthly meetings within PYM and in other yearly meetings have, too!
As you may recall, PYM lifted up the statement by the National Council of Churches, “NCC Opposes Unauthorized Military Aggression in Iran: Violence Cannot Bring Peace.” I found it particularly powerful because NCC represents so many mainline Protestant as well as Orthodox communions. We Quakers are not alone in standing for peace!
As you can see, the Friends World Committee for Consultation announced that the theme of World Quaker Day on 10/4/2026 is “Let Peace Be among Us.” In light of the events of the day, I encourage Friends in PYM to consider how you can build peace and justice in your community, as well as in your meeting. Let us see what love can do today, on World Quaker Day, and every day.
