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The Joint Triennial of Friends United Meeting, Quaker Men International, and the United Society of Friends Women International is an important time of fellowship, worship, and discernment across our global family of Friends.
The Triennial Planning Executive Committee met on August 26, 2025, to consider several important developments regarding the planning of the 2026 Triennial.It is with heavy hearts that we share the decision to suspend plans for the in-person Joint Triennial gathering originally scheduled for July 6–11, 2026.
This difficult decision was reached after much prayerful discernment. Several factors contributed to the decision, the most significant being that U.S. immigration officials have denied visas to the majority of our international members who had applied to attend. Without the full participation of Friends from across our global fellowship, the essence of our Triennial—an event grounded in fellowship, worship, and discernment across cultures—would be diminished.
In addition, Western Yearly Meeting, who had graciously offered to serve as host, concluded that given these uncertainties, they could not make the necessary preparations to ensure a successful and Spirit-filled gathering. Another consideration was the challenging financial situation currently facing Friends United Meeting. At this time, staff energy must be focused on addressing these pressing needs, rather than preparing for a Triennial gathering.
Looking forward, the three sponsoring groups offer their blessing to one another to pursue plans that best meet their organizational needs. The United Society of Friends Women International is prayerfully considering its options, and will be pursuing a virtual Triennial in 2026. Quaker Men International are likewise discerning their path, and are looking ahead with hope to finding a time when they can gather in-person in 2027.
In addition, the Friends United Meeting Executive Board has approved moving forward with a virtual Triennial during the week originally scheduled for the in-person sessions. These FUM sessions will focus specifically on strategic goals and priorities for the future direction of Friends United Meeting.The committee expressed deep sorrow in reaching this conclusion. We know how much Friends value the time of coming together at Triennial, and we recognize the disappointment and hardship this decision brings, particularly for those who had already begun the application process.
Even so, we hold in trust the hope that God will guide us into new ways of gathering, connecting, and discerning together as a global body. The Triennial Planning Committee remains committed to exploring creative and faithful alternatives that will enable Friends everywhere to continue to share in fellowship, worship, and corporate discernment across borders.
We ask for your continued prayers as we seek God’s leading in shaping the future of our gatherings.
