On January 20th the president signed an executive order rescinding a 30+ year old policy of protecting “sensitive places” and allowing agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter places of worship to detain immigrants. As a result, people of various faiths may avoid attending their houses of worship out of fear of government enforcement. This harms immigrants who feel compelled to stay home and also damages houses of worship and their members, who lose the ability to gather in worship as a community. PYM’s general secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, was invited in mid-January to an informational meeting about a lawsuit that was forming to challenge the decision.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Resources | Outreach & Communications
Many meetings have different ways of welcoming newcomers through pastoral care, committees, or through literature. The opportunity to provide hospitality in the tradition of Friends to those who join you in worship is different to navigate and there are different ways of embracing new seekers, below are opportunities and resources for monthly meeting as they welcome guests to their meetinghouses.
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Minute of Support for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting from Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting
This morning, February 2nd, 2025, Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting (LVMM) had a Called Meeting for Worship for Business. At that Meeting, LVMM approved the following minute of support to be sent to both of you (Nikki Mosgrove and Christie Duncan-Tessmer) as representatives of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Key Points on the Quaker Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security
Below is essential information about the lawsuit. This may be helpful to Friends in PYM for their own understanding and for discussing the case with others, including local media.
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Avoid Phishing Scams | PYM
Recently, a few scam emails have been circulating in our community, pretending to be from staff and requesting financial information or purchases.
To avoid phishing scams, it’s important to stay mindful and follow a few simple tips.
The PYM Library: An Opportunity for Community and Stewardship
The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Library, formally known as the Henry J. Cadbury Library, has been an important part of our community since the 1970s, offering valuable resources for Friends and the wider community. It houses a collection of materials, including books by Quaker authors, resources addressing modern and historical issues, and items for spiritual growth and discernment. The library has served PYM as a hub for individuals and monthly meetings seeking to deepen their faith, strengthen their community, and engage in social witness.
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PYM Involvement in DHS Lawsuit
Today, PYM joined our neighbors in New England and Baltimore Yearly Meetings as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security.
Friends are encouraged to learn more information about the lawsuit in the press release from Democracy Forward which filed the suit, as well as this article at NBC News. You can read complaint, by following this link.
The suit challenges an immigration enforcement decision that interferes with and could significantly impacts freedom of religion.
PYM’s Response to the Political Reality
This week has brought many changes our country, including ones that are out of alignment with Friends testimonies and the way we walk in the world. The PYM community and governance are actively listening and responding.
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LGBTQIA+ Resources | PYM
During Fall Continuing Sessions, Friends were provided with a minute from Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ people. This minute, adapted from one shared by Germantown Monthly Meeting, connects to the ongoing threats to the safety and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirms the shared commitment to stand beside them.
Minute of Solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ Community
Below are a few provided resources that Friends may choose utilize, learn, and share when connecting with the LGBTQIA+ community members and Friends. The following resources were compiled by Karen Lightner of Germantown Monthly Meeting, There is hope that this list will continue to grow, if you have additional resources to share, we invite you to send them to communications@pym.org.
What’s your Gift? | Sharing Skills in Our Community of Friends
Quaker communities thrive when members share their unique gifts and skills. The Gifts & Skills Collection is a PYM initiative designed to highlight the range of Friends’ contributions and talents. This initiative invites Friends to share their gifts and connect with others who have similar interests or experiences. The goal is to build community by matching gifts, skills, or area of interest with opportunities to collaborate and support shared work.
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