February, Black History Month, began with threats of bombing directed to Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The month ended with the bombings in the Ukraine. Friends believe that there is that of God in everyone. We deplore this violence. The following statement was crafted by PYM’s clerks group in February with the intention of publishing it that month. Staff transitions and the war in Ukraine interrupted and delayed that intention.
On the first day of Black History Month this year, 13 HBCU’s were threatened with bombing. People in our free and democratic country are actively trying to stop people of color from voting. People are attempting to suppress knowledge and imagination by burning and banning books. Quakers reject these actions.
Friends testify with our faith and our lives to the value of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, service and good stewardship. Undergirding these is the knowledge that there is God in each of us.
Because we know there is that of God in everyone, we denounce killing of body and of spirit of all people, particularly of members of marginalized groups, including people who are African-American, Indigenous, of Asian or Hispanic descent, poor or poorly educated or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Because we value community, we denounce threats to our wider community, such as the recent bomb threats to Historic Black Colleges and Universities and the bombing of churches, synagogues and mosques, and we decry the underlying hate and bigotry that propel them.
Because we value simplicity, we reject the economic model of gross inequality, the growing wealth gap that separates the extremely wealthy from most of the rest of society, and the anger and hatred which is often misdirected towards marginalized groups of people, particularly people who are Black, Brown or Asian.
Because we value peace, we denounce the violence that has exploded and become so visible in places like Charlottesville, the Capital, the street where Rodney King was beaten or on Indigenous lands. We see as crucial the training and supporting of police officers to function as true Peace Officers. We stand steadfast for the sacred Peace that brings people together, to know each other in God’s love.
Because of our historic role as Publishers of Truth, we oppose banning of books, restricting what truths can be taught in schools and the promulgation of lies and distortions of the truth.
Because we value equality, we oppose and condemn attempts to disenfranchise voters, especially as such disenfranchisement strikes particularly at marginalized groups.
Because we value integrity, we speak and act on our belief that there is that of God in each of us, and honor our testimonies in word and deed. Let us each ask: How am I called to speak the Truth of the Divine to move us closer to the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
