FUM News Blog

Friends and the U.S. Election

‍With the Quaker Peace Testimony, delivered by Margaret Fell to King Charles II in 1660, a new political possibility was introduced to Western political philosophy. In contrast to the prevailing idea of the divine-right of kings, Quakers asserted that governors could be disagreed with without risking a capital offense.While “theocracy” has been associated with autocratic rule, a democratic system of governance, where the people (the demos) determine their own rule, can also be seen as a distributed form of theocracy: God’s rule.The Quaker point is this: no single person has sole access to God’s will, and no one is devoid of such access. Rather, the Divine Will can be ascertained more faithfully by a plurality of discerning persons—if seeking the truth, goodness, and justice are of prime concern.

Friends and the U.S. Election - Part Two

With the Quaker Peace Testimony, delivered by Margaret Fell to King Charles II in 1660, a new political possibility was introduced to Western political philosophy. In contrast to the prevailing idea of the divine-right of kings, Quakers asserted that governors could be disagreed with without risking a capital offense.

First Phase Completed on Amigos House

Friends United Meeting’s Latino Friends in North America Committee and Indianapolis Iglesia Amigos co-hosted a series of Saturday workdays to prepare a new house for refugees and other immigrants in Richmond. The house is to meant to help with the initial housing needs of some of the refugees and immigrants who move to the Richmond area. The vision for Amigos House is that it will be used to welcome Spanish-speaking immigrants into the Richmond community.

Friends and the U.S. Election

Editor’s note: During this election season, when our political life in the United States seems especially contentious, Friends United Meeting has invited a variety of Friends to share their thoughts on how to navigate as a Quaker through these divided times. Our first installment is by Bill Eagles, of North Carolina Fellowship of Friends.

F.T.C. Enhances Facilities with New Cabro Block Parking Area

Quaker peace curriculum launched

Last week, FUM Programme Officer Getry Agizah (standing, at right) visited schools in western Kenya to launch the Quaker peace curriculum in some schools and encourage existing peace clubs in others. “This exercise was well received by heads of schools, and most going through [the curriculum] felt it is indeed a needed item for schools and students,” Getry said. “Some schools are planning peace gardens where it will be a meditation site for both teachers, students, and workers who have difficult days. So far we have gone round to nine schools—seven secondary schools and two primary schools. Out of the seven secondary schools, four were Quaker schools.”