How do we live the Quaker Peace Testimony in terms of the war in Ukraine and the Israel – Hamas war?
What further queries would we pose for our Meeting and ourselves in an effort to find answers to this query?
The focus of this discussion will be:
1. Allowing people to recognize and explore their (possibly diverse and contradictory) feelings around these two wars and the Peace Testimony.
2. Practicing listening patiently to each other with open minds.
There are two short articles from Friends Journal you’re encouraged to read for this discussion:
The Peace Testimony and Ukraine by Bryan Garman April 1, 2022 https://www.friendsjournal.org/the-peace-testimony-and-ukraine/
Quakers React to Israel Defense Forces–Hamas War by Sharlee DiMenichi Oct. 30, 2023
https://www.friendsjournal.org/quakers-react-to-israel-defense-forces-hamas-war/
Also, if possible, please listen to a special briefing with Bridget Moix, FCNL general secretary and Hassan El-Tayyab, FCNL legislative director for Middle East policy. Glimmers of Hope will be held online on Thursday Feb. 15 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST.
Together with other faith leaders, they recently visited Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, and Jordan. As they journeyed, the Israel-Palestine war raged on, spilling into other parts of the region.
In their mission for peace, the faith leaders talked to heads of religious communities, royalty, government officials, peacebuilders, children, and ordinary people. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) organized the trip.
To register for the briefing go to: https://www.fcnl.org/events/special-briefing-glimmers-hope-middle-east
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No preparation for participants is required except an open mind and willingness to share. Please consider joining us.
This will be a hybrid event - either in-person in the Social Hall, or on Zoom to discuss this topic.
The Zoom link is https://tinyurl.com/mssp4j4s
Meeting ID: 990 5847 4302 Passcode: 780272
The Spiritual Exploration Group meets at 8:30 on the third Sunday in the Social Hall before Meeting for Worship.
SEG provides an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings on a variety of spiritually related topics. I has the added benefit that we can hear each other's ideas outside the Silence of Meeting.
Questions? Contact Sam Hartman samhartjr@comcast.net 215 674 1954