Trenton Meeting’s Peace and Social Concerns Committee created a Minute expressing support for recent (and not so recent) arrivals in our country against illegal and heavy-handed actions taking place in communities like ours. Emphasis was put on due process.
On June 8 it was approved at Monthly Meeting for Business and on June 15 it was approved at Quarterly Meeting for Business (Burlington Quarter).
Trenton Meeting of Friends
142 East Hanover Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Trenton Quaker Meeting House in Continuous Use by Quakers since 1739
The following is a Minute approved by the Trenton Meeting of Friends (Quakers) at its regularly scheduled Meeting for Business on June 8, 2025.
Trenton Quaker Minute of Support for Refugees, Immigrants, and Asylum Seekers
As a Quaker religious body, we support the humane and considerate treatment of all people, and especially those refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers who have fled corrupt and dangerous conditions in their home countries to be here in the United States.
As stated by the Quaker-based American Friends Service Committee, “We believe in the inherent worth of every person, no matter where they were born. Immigrants – like all people – should be treated with dignity and have their rights respected.”
Many verses of the Bible address the “stranger,” such as Matthew 25:35 which says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers should never be referred to with dehumanizing terms such as “criminal alien” or “illegal immigrant.” We call on religious and secular leaders and groups to treat all immigrants and persons with respect. Due process must be made available to all. Not doing so is illegal, cruel, hurtful, and can result in major mistakes including detaining citizens or people with full rights to be here, for immediate deportation. Eliminating due process for some makes it easier to eliminate due process for all.
We encourage people to speak up to put an end to heavy-handed removals, to provide for due process, and to honor the humanity of every person. When it is asked of us, “What did you do to protect the most vulnerable?” we must have answers of which we are proud.
The Minute in the form shown in the image is being published as an ad in local papers.
