On August 1, 2024, Nikki Mosgrove stepped into the role of Presiding Clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (a collection of 105 Quaker congregations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania). She is tasked with facilitating business among as . Among unprogrammed Friends, who eschews religious hierarchy, a clerk is the first among equals. Her discernment process in accepting this role involved 30 days of prayer and reflection with people of many different spiritual practices: Presbyterians, Baptists, Nontheists, Pentecostals, and Quakers.
Nikki, a member of Trenton Friends Meeting (New Jersey), has been a Friend for more than a decade, dedicating her time to Trenton Meeting’s Community Investment Committee. She is also a trustee of the Friends Foundation for the Aging and The School of the Spirit Quaker Ministry. Additionally, she carries a public Quaker ministry called Nia Ministries.
While Nikki is open to Spirit as she facilitates business on behalf of the Yearly Meeting, she has two goals over her two-year tenure: encourage leadership among Friends under age 40 and increase the number of Monthly Meetings that participate in corporate discernment.
Nikki’s dedication to inclusivity and engaging young people reflects her deep understanding of what it means to serve PYM’s community. Her focus on creating a welcoming environment, where everyone experiences a sense of belonging, is at the heart of her leadership as presiding clerk. This vision is central to how she navigates the complexities of the community, always striving to ensure all perspectives are valued and included.
She believes that Friends are positioned to address the challenges facing the community today because “as a corporate body, we are not afraid to ask hard questions and have difficult conversations. Sometimes you have to cry, sometimes you have to yell, and oftentimes that’s the only way you can get through it.”
Nikki also highlighted the importance of creating space for everyone: “I like to use the term ‘give grace.’ We have a lot of difficult conversations ahead. I listen for the voices that aren’t speaking and ask them to share. It’s just a different way of being, and sometimes people look at me like I’m nuts. But everyone should have a voice.” Nikki’s commitment to fostering open dialogue and mutual respect reflects the strengths she brings to her role as presiding clerk.
She looks forward to seeing everyone in person or online next month for Fall Continuing Sessions!
