Friends from Vancouver Island Monthly Meeting (Canadian Yearly Meeting) acknowledge with care and respect the courage, hard work, and faith that has led to your lawsuit with the Department of Homeland Security. We hold you in Light, love and prayer as you travel this brave journey; speaking truth to power to ensure Quaker Meetings can provide safety and sanctuary to all in need who arrive at our doors.
News
A Minute from Newtown Friends Meeting
At the monthly meeting for business on February 2, 2025, Newtown Monthly Meeting quickly and heartily found unity in expressing support for the quick action of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in joining with the Democracy Now lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security for rescinding the policy protecting immigrants from ICE enforcement in places of worship. Also, we support Friends General Conference for joining the interfaith action with the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection.
How Meetings Can Support the Lawsuit?
Friends and meetings want to be able to support the lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. While there is not a direct role, such as joining the suit, there are a number of important things that can be done.
What To Do If ICE Shows Up at Your Quaker Meeting | PYM
We are a community rooted in worship and in peace and justice. It is important for Quaker Meetings to be prepared if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officials arrive at a Meetinghouse. This guide outlines steps to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold our values of sanctuary and solidarity.
[Read more…] about What To Do If ICE Shows Up at Your Quaker Meeting | PYM
Minute of Intent to Protect from Fayetteville Friends Meeting
Greetings, Friends in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting,
I am writing on behalf of Fayetteville Friends Meeting, North Carolina. We may be different, living out our various leadings at each of our meetings, but we will never be leaderless as long as we follow the lead of divine Mercy. We may not be fearless people, but we can move forward in spirit together while steadfastly seeking to lay down any fears in devotion and obedience to our Creator.
[Read more…] about Minute of Intent to Protect from Fayetteville Friends Meeting
The Decision Process of PYM’s Participation in the Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
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.
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.
[Read more…] about Resources | Outreach & Communications
Share the Story of Your Meeting in Response of the DHS Lawsuit
As Friends continue to worship, discern, and discuss PYM’s involvement in the lawsuit with the Department of Homeland Security, we encourage Friends, members, and attenders to connect with Christie Duncan-Tessmer, General Secretary of PYM, or Nikki Mosgrove, Presiding Clerk, with any questions or needs they have.
[Read more…] about Share the Story of Your Meeting in Response of the DHS Lawsuit
PYM Young Adult Friends to Commemorate Black History Month
The Young Adult Friends (YAF) community (ages 18-35) have been exploring ways they can live their testimonies in alignment with their Quaker values. During February, they will gather to visit The Time is Always Now special exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in honor of Black History Month. This exhibition features 28 Black and African diasporic contemporary artists who celebrate the nuance and richness of Black contemporary life. YAFs will commemorate the legacies of Black artists and histories while reflecting on how they can carry their work forward in their daily lives, in community with Friends around them.
[Read more…] about PYM Young Adult Friends to Commemorate Black History Month
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.
