Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

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.

[Read more…] about A Message Regarding State Sanctioned Violence from Fellowship of Friends of African Descent

Friends Emily and Julia Visit the Friends International Bilingual Center in La Paz, Bolivia

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The Friends International Bilingual Center (FIBC) is a Bolivian program that offers educational programs for children, young people, and adults in la Paz, Bolivia. Their programming is focused around human value and Quaker principles, and participants experience spiritual and intellectual growth centered in the belief that there is that of God in everyone.

[Read more…] about Friends Emily and Julia Visit the Friends International Bilingual Center in La Paz, Bolivia

YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 3

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This series titled, “In Light Together, Apart” shares artwork of the attenders from the Young Adult Friend (YAF) retreat on May 15-16, 2020. The idea behind the retreat was to collaboratively create something that speaks to where young adult friends were at that time. The themes that emerged were: time, place, people, loss, change, searching, and reflection.

[Read more…] about YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 3

Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust Statement

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The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting joins with Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust as they issue the following statement.

We stand in solidarity with the Black community and all People of Color.

As an historic site deeply rooted in Quaker tradition, Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust is committed to providing an atmosphere that is centered around equality, community, and integrity. We stand against racism and discrimination of any kind.

The meetinghouse is committed to serving as a safe and welcoming place for all, where difficult conversations can be held, and all voices can be heard.

June 4, 2020

Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust Welcomes Sean Connolly as Executive Director

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The Board of Trustees of Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Connolly as its new Executive Director, beginning June 9, 2020.

Sean comes to the Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust from Pennsbury Manor, where he oversaw the Education Department. Formerly, he was the Assistant Director for Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s Once Upon A Nation program and the Executive Director of the Manayunk Theatre Company. He has also taught in the Department of History at Drexel University. [Read more…] about Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust Welcomes Sean Connolly as Executive Director

Guidance for Re-Opening: Abundance of Caution

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Many local Quaker communities are in the midst of a discernment process as to whether, when and to what extent to resume meeting in person for worship or other activities. A multitude of resources has been shared, and we have included a short list of resources at the end of this message.

Most importantly, make sure you are following guidelines issued by your state government and the Centers for Disease Control. Links to the appropriate websites are also at the end of this message. [Read more…] about Guidance for Re-Opening: Abundance of Caution

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

Joint Message from the PYM Quaker Life and Administrative Councils’ Clerks

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The communities in our yearly meeting have known the sufferings of COVID-19 and economic crisis.  Now again, we are experiencing the inhumanity of racism and racial injustice.  Acknowledging deep anger and grief, Friends can renew our commitment to seek Truth and to speak Truth.

We can face the anguish we are seeing and not turn away from it but, with Divine Assistance and held in the love of God, renew our work for reconciliation and justice.  We can live out Friends testimonies of peace, equality, integrity and simplicity, treat one another with love and kindness, and endeavor to mend the world.

“Forgive us our transgressions, as we forgive those who transgress against us.” – From The Lord’s Prayer; Luke 11:4

Quaker Life and Administrative Council clerks

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