Quaker organizations launch initiative to uproot racism in the Religious Society of Friends

The Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing and dismantling white supremacy within its institutions and communities. This effort, spearheaded by several key Quaker organizations, reflects a growing commitment to racial justice that has been developing over the past 15 years. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Friends Council on Education, Friends General Conference, and Pendle Hill have formed a coalition to accelerate this work.

Lucy Duncan, Director of Friends Relations for AFSC, emphasized the significance of this moment, noting that the Black Lives Matter uprisings and the adoption of anti-racism commitments by many yearly meetings have placed the Religious Society of Friends at a critical juncture. The initiative seeks to create a Quaker community that is actively working to dismantle white supremacy within the faith group, its institutions, and beyond.

The coalition plans to establish a community of practice, bringing together approximately 80 individuals from across the Religious Society of Friends. This group will include substantial representation from LGBTQ and young Friends. Through a series of virtual and in-person retreats, as well as monthly Zoom sessions from September 2021 through June 2022, participants will design, implement, and reflect on strategies for change. They will also develop teaching tools and resources to promote best practices and plan for sustained racial justice work in their local communities.

Vanessa Julye, FGC’s Ministry on Racism Program Coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that it has the potential to catalyze deeper change within the Quaker community. She hopes that Friends will join in this effort to move closer to the Quaker vision of “heaven on earth.”

The initiative includes a focus on reparations, decolonization, and abolition, with Lisa Graustein and Niyonu Spann serving as facilitators for all sessions. Those interested in learning more or joining the cohort can visit the Quakers Uprooting Racism website.

The American Friends Service Committee, a key participant in the initiative, is a Quaker organization dedicated to promoting lasting peace with justice. It works through spiritual insights and collaboration with people of diverse backgrounds to nurture change and respect for human life.

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